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STATEMENT BY 
H.E. SYED MOHAMAD HASRIN AIDID
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

AT THE SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN VTC ON THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST, INCLUDING THE PALESTINIAN QUESTION

NEW YORK, 26 JANUARY 2021

 

Mr. President,

At the outset, allow me to thank you for convening this important open debate. Malaysia aligns itself with the statements delivered by Niger on behalf of the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation and by Azerbaijan on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement.

2.   Permit me to extend my delegation's heartfelt congratulations to India, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico and Norway as they begin their important journey as the elected members of the Security Council for the term 2021-2022, beginning this month.  

3.   I would also like to congratulate Mr. Tor Wennesland for being appointed as the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (MEPP) and the Personal Representative to the Palestine Liberation Organisation and the Palestinian Authority. I wish to assure him of Malaysia's full support as he undertakes this important responsibility.

4.   Malaysia would also like to take this opportunity to commend Mr. Nickolay Mladenov for his commitment and contributions during his tenure as the Special Coordinator. We wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.

Mr. President,

5.   The situation in Palestine and the Middle East continues to be a matter of serious concern to the international community. It is most regrettable that Israel continues its acts of provocation and violence with impunity further exacerbating the deteriorating human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the Occupied Syrian Golan.

6.   Over the years, we have heard repeated warnings from the Secretary-General and Special Coordinator on the continued expansion of illegal Israeli settlements. Year after year, these warnings seem to have fallen on deaf ears contributing to perpetuate Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory. We also condemn acts of violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians. The occupying power must provide the necessary protection to the Palestinian population and ensure accountability against such violations.

Mr. President,

7.   Malaysia condemns the decision by Israel to advance plans for some 800 settlement units in the occupied West Bank and invitation for contractors to bid for the building of 2,527 units including in the Al-Quds City. Malaysia views these actions as a threat to peace further undercutting the peace process towards achieving a two-state solution. My delegation reiterates that the construction of settlements by Israel in the occupied territory since 1967, including East Jerusalem is completely illegal and constitutes a flagrant violation of international law.

8.   The international community must demand Israel to stop all violations and illegal settlement activities in the occupied territories. Israel must be made to fully comply with all its obligations as prescribed by relevant UNSC resolutions including Resolution 2334 and international law as well as the Charter of the United Nations.

9.   The international community cannot remain indifferent and allow continued aggression by Israel against the occupied Palestinian people. The Security Council must condemn and reject the Israeli annexation plan, and must ensure that the plan is not implemented.

Mr. President,

10.   Malaysia's position on the question of Palestine remains clear. We will continue to advocate the resolution of the question of Palestine on the basis of an international framework, against annexation and in support of the rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination.

11.   Malaysia remains steadfast in voicing its support for the restoration of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent and sovereign state of Palestine based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as the only viable solution to this long-standing conflict. Malaysia will continue to support concrete and genuine efforts towards achieving this just and lasting solution, which we believe will greatly contribute to peace, justice and stability in the region.

12.   Malaysia welcomes the announcement by President Mahmoud Abbas to hold parliamentary and presidential elections beginning in May and June 2021, respectively. We hope that the elections in the occupied West Bank including East Jerusalem and Gaza will be held in the spirit of Palestinian unity and national reconciliation. We are confident that the international community would be extending the necessary support in facilitating the holding of the elections.

Mr. President,

13.   Malaysia believes that there is no alternative to sustainable peace without a negotiated political settlement of a two state solution. In this context, Malaysia supports the call by the international community including by the UN Secretary-General for the Middle East Quartet to find a mutually agreeable path for the parties to re-engage towards a negotiated peaceful settlement.

14.   Malaysia would also support the call by President Mahmoud Abbas to convene an international peace conference towards advancing a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We hope that the intended conference would contribute positively in bringing about an end to the illegal occupation and achieve freedom and independence for the Palestinian people.

Mr. President,

15.   Malaysia will continue to provide assistance and support to the Palestinian State and people within our means. We continue to reaffirm our total commitment, unwavering support and full solidarity towards the Palestinian cause in realising their inalienable rights to self-determination, freedom and independence. The new year ushers in an opportunity to deliver peace in the occupied territories. Malaysia will work closely with the international community and multi-stakeholders in finding a peaceful, just, sustainable and lasting solution to this long-standing question.

I thank you, Mr. President.