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Statement by Ambassador Anouparb VONGNORKEO, Permanent Representative on the Agenda Item 33: Question of Palestine At the 41st Plenary Meeting of the Seventy-Seventh Session of the United Nations General Assembly

Wednesday, 30 November 2022

Mr. President,

          My delegation wishes to express its sincere gratitude to the Secretary General for his report and tireless efforts to resolve the long-overdue "Question of Palestine".

          To commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People Yesterday, H.E. President of the Lao PDR renewed his full support for the independence and sovereignty of the State of Palestine and peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, respecting the inalienable rights of the Palestinians, including rights to self-determination, as well as in achieving the two-state solution in line with relevant UN resolutions and international law.

Mr. President,

The Question of Palestine remains the longest unresolved issue on the agenda of the United Nations. Over the past seven decades, several meetings have been held and countless resolutions have been adopted to ensure that the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people are fully respected. Yet, the aspiration of the international community for an independent statehood and freedom have not been materialized and the Palestinian people have continued to encounter on-going socio-economic and humanitarian challenges. Therefore, increased efforts by the international community are critical in supporting the Palestinian people to overcome numerous difficulties and guarantee their overall safety and well-being.

          The situation on the ground remains worrisome and we are deeply concerned over the ongoing conflict and violence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Likewise, the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate as a result of the illegal settlement activities, destruction of properties and economic institutions in the occupied Palestinian territory. Once again, we call on the parties concerned to exert their utmost efforts to avoid further exacerbating the already fragile situation and take all possible steps in order to create an environment more conducive for ensuring peace and security.

Mr. President,   

The Lao PDR shares the common desire for a lasting peace in the Middle East which is of utmost importance, not only to region, but also to international peace and security. We reaffirm our unwavering support for concerted efforts in addressing the Question of Palestine and the sovereignty of the State of Palestine and the Palestinian people in their legitimate quest for dignity, justice and their inalienable rights to self-determination in their independent and viable State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side in peace and security with the State of Israel, within internationally recognized borders.

The Lao PDR commends the continued efforts by the United Nations, especially the UN Relief and Work Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) for its crucial role in building the foundation of hope for the Palestinians. I wish to conclude by reiterating Lao PDR’s firm commitment and support to all efforts aimed at achieving the two-state solution which recognizes the legitimate rights and freedom of the Palestinian people.

Thank you, Mr. President.