Mr. President,
My delegation appreciates the work carried out by the Committee on the Exercise of Inalienable Rights of Palestinian People. We express our sincere gratitude to Secretary General António Guterres for his relentless efforts to address this long-overdue issue.
The Question of Palestine has been the longest unresolved issue on the agenda of the United Nations. Throughout the past 7 decades, the United Nations has adopted numerous resolutions with the objective to ensure that the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people are fully respected. Yet, the Palestinian people in their legitimate quest for dignity, justice and inalienable rights to self-determination in their independent and viable State of Palestine, has not been realized.
Mr. President,
The Lao PDR is deeply concerned over the ongoing deteriorating security situation and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We express our sincere condolences on the heavy loss of lives and properties exacerbated by the current violent hostilities. In this regard, the Lao PDR joins the international community in the urgent call for an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian ceasefire in order for all essential assistance to swiftly and safely reach all civilians in Gaza as stipulated in General Assembly Resolution ES-10/21 adopted on 27 October. We continue our persistent call for the resumption of diplomatic negotiation and all actions must fully comply with obligations under international law, especially international humanitarian law. All civilians must be protected with rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance to prevent another major catastrophe.
The Lao PDR firmly believes that, a lasting peace in the Middle East remains vital not only for the region but the world at large. In this connection, we reaffirm our consistent support for the global collective efforts aimed at pursuing a just and peaceful solution to the long-overdue Israeli-Palestinian conflict. To this end, it is vital to ensure that all parties concerned live up to their commitments and refrain from taking any further actions which will jeopardize the peace process.
Mr. President,
In commemorating the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People this year, Lao PDR reaffirms its longstanding 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 Palestinian people, including their rights to self-determination. We support the State of Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations.
In conclusion, the Lao PDR commends the continued efforts by the international community, especially all UN personnel and non-governmental organizations who continue to risk their lives working tirelessly in conflict areas in order to provide necessary assistance and prevent further humanitarian crisis. We must strive to build the foundation of hope for the Palestinian people.
I Thank You, Mr. President.
