Security Council: The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question

 
Madam President,
I join others in expressing appreciation to the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Process, Mr. Tor Wennesland for his briefing to the Council as well as his commitment to the search for lasting peace in the Middle East. The briefings, as always, gives us much to consider and requires of the Council a substantial engagement in support of the political processes that are required to find peace in the Middle East. It is in this context that Ghana welcomes the initiative for the recent high-level diplomatic contacts and dialogue between the Israeli
and Palestinian leadership, including the outcomes that have led to a decision by Israel to reduce settler violence in the West Bank and avoid further unhelpful steps in Jerusalem. We implore both sides to maintain the momentum and engage in meaningful and transparent dialogue that reflects in significant policy changes on both sides.

Madam President,
Despite the limited but hopeful developments, however, there are continuing situations of concern that grate our collective sensibilities. In this regard, I would like to maintain the Council’s attention on the dire humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including Gaza and East Jerusalem, and highlight the need for urgent humanitarian relief and economic assistance to the Palestinian people. I also wish to appeal for the easing of humanitarian access to allow inhabitants in the Occupied Palestinian Territories to have access to the basic supplies and a dignified life.
 
Ghana reaffirms her belief that the path for lasting peace and stability in the Middle East runs through the two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side within secure and recognized borders, on the basis of the 1967 borders with Jerusalem as the shared capital. We recognise the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people as well as the aspiration of the countries in the region to live in peace and harmony, and call on the parties to desist from unilateral actions that have the tendency to undermine mutual trust and goodwill which are vital ingredients if progress is to be made on the peace process.
 
We urge both parties to resolve all differences through dialogue and negotiations in a comprehensive and mutually acceptable manner, and call for the implementation of the provisions and outcomes of 1991 Madrid Conference as well as the 1993 Declaration of Principles, subsequent agreements and all UN resolutions regarding the question of Palestine. Despite prevailing global dynamics, we encourage the continuing engagement of the Quartet and the wider international community in helping the parties to implement their obligations for the settlement of the Middle East problem.
 
In concluding, I underscore the need for cooperation and unified action within this Council which is critical to the Israeli and Palestinian peoples but also to the world at large, and reiterate Ghana’s commitment of support to find a lasting solution to the Middle East problem.
 
I thank you for your kind attention.