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States News Service
November 5, 2013 Tuesday
SELF-DETERMINATION INTEGRAL TO BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS, FUNDAMENTAL
FREEDOMS, THIRD COMMITTEE TOLD AS IT CONCLUDES GENERAL DISCUSSION
NEW YORK
The following information was released by the UN General Assembly:
The right to self-determination was an integral element of basic human
rights and fundamental freedoms, the Third Committee (Social,
Humanitarian and Cultural) heard today as it concluded its general
discussion on that subject, and on the elimination of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
"It is only through the realization of this very basic right of people
to determine, with no compulsion or coercion, their own future,
political status and independence that we can begin to address others
such as dignity, justice, progress and equity," said the
representative of Maldives. Yet millions of people were stripped of
the right to determine their own fate, due either to military
intervention, aggression, occupation or to exploitation by foreign
Powers.
The representatives of both Bolivia and Jordan echoed that sentiment,
emphasizing that respect for the principle of self-determination was a
precondition for the enjoyment of other human rights, and no other
right could be fully enjoyed without it. Among many others, the
representative of the United Arab Emirates noted that the Palestinian
people were deprived of the right to self-determination, which was
universal.
Israel's representative and the observer for the State of Palestine
engaged in a series of exchanges, in exercise of the right of reply,
with the latter saying that Israel had deliberately ignored the
universally recognized International Bill of Human Rights as well as
all aspects of international and humanitarian law, for more than four
decades. "Speaking of peace while engaging in its destruction makes a
mockery of the international community's support for the two-State
solution and diminishes the viability of two States, obstructing a
real peace agreement from materializing," she added.
Israel's representative emphasized that only the parties involved need
sit at the peace table, reiterating his country's readiness and
ability to make the difficult concession it was required to make.
"Only the two parties involved can find the right way to create two
States living next to each other."
The observer for the State of Palestine responded by declaring: "The
right to self-determination belongs to all, and doesn't come after
negotiations."
Other participants were speakers representing Australia, Indonesia,
Bangladesh and Azerbaijan.
Also speaking in exercise of the right of reply were representatives
of Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The Third Committee will reconvene at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, 6
November, when it is expected to hear the annual briefing by the High
Commissioner for Refugees.
Background
The Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) met this
morning to continue its general discussion on the elimination of
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, as
well as the right of peoples to self-determination. For background
information, see Press Release GA/SHC/4084 of 4 November.
Statements
SACHA SERGIO LLORENTTY SOLIZ (Bolivia), associating himself with the
Group of 77 and China, said that his country's renewed foundation in
2009, embodied in its political constitution, had been prompted by
groups traditionally marginalized by colonial Powers. Such groups had
become protagonists of all measures aimed at restoring identity values
to indigenous peoples, women and persons of African descent, among
others. Bolivia had not only ratified the Durban Declaration and
Programme of Action and the outcome document of the Second Durban
Review Conference, it had also translated those instruments into the
national Law against Racism and All Forms of Discrimination. The law
established mechanisms and procedures for preventing and punishing
racism in all its forms and for consolidating public policies for its
elimination. On self-determination, he said respect for that principle
was a precondition for the enjoyment of other human rights, and for
that reason, Bolivia demanded the immediate withdrawal of Israeli
forces from all occupied Arab territories, including Palestine and the
Syrian Golan Heights. Bolivia also supported the right of the Puerto
Rican people to self-determination, he added.
TANISHA HEWANPOLA ( Australia) said her country attached a high value
to the right to freedom of religion or belief. Everyone was free to
adopt a religion without coercion, a right protected by the
constitution and reflected in national laws. Governments must foster
environments of tolerance and ensure respect for the freedom of
religion or belief, as well as the freedoms of opinion and expression.
Emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity, she said it should
be enjoyed, genuinely accepted and embraced, pointing out that, to
coincide with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination
of Racial Discrimination, her country celebrated Harmony Day each
March for everyone who called Australia home from its traditional
owners to those who had come from many other countries around the
world.
FATHIMATH NAJWA ( Maldives) said the right to self-determination was
an integral element of basic human rights and fundamental freedoms.
"It is only through the realization of this very basic right of people
to determine, with no compulsion or coercion, their own future,
political status and independence that we can begin to address others,
such as dignity, justice, progress and equity," she noted. Yet,
millions of people were stripped of the right to determine their own
fate, either due to military intervention, aggression, occupation or
exploitation by foreign Powers. She strongly deplored the exploitation
of people in the name of development and the use of natural resources
in territories traditionally occupied or used by indigenous groups,
without regard to their cultural integrity or preservation. On
Palestine, the Maldives supported a two-State solution, in accordance
with the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as the capital of the
State of Palestine.
NONA GAE LUNA (Indonesia), associating herself with the Group of 77
and China, said people of African descent still faced "arduous
challenges" around the world, and for that reason, her country
encouraged the concerted efforts to make the proposed international
decade for people of African descent truly effective. If used
properly, it "will be beneficial for the international community as a
whole", not only for people of African descent, she said, underlining
the important role played by the media in that respect. Media could
help combat stereotypes often fostered in the name of freedom of
expression, because Governments could not succeed in doing so on their
own. Indonesia had demonstrated its staunch commitment to the
eradication of racism at the national level by creating a national
human rights commission tasked with, among other things, monitoring
existing laws that could contravene the principle of tolerance, and by
fostering reconciliatory dialogue between diverging groups. The
Government had also created the Inter-religion Harmony Forum,
alongside 22 other Governments, she said, adding in that context that
the draft of a multinational instrument had been proposed in 2012.
Such instruments should be the product of international consensus, she
emphasized.
ALIA AL DHAHERI (United Arab Emirates), associating himself with the
Group of 77 and China, said that respect for universal human rights
was enshrined in the United Nations Charter, calling on Member States
to assume their responsibility and create a world free of
discrimination, she listed the initiatives her Government had
undertaken at the national level, including its banning of torture.
Although an Islamic country, the United Arab Emirates hosted more than
200 nationalities that lived in freedom and peace while freely
exercising their religion and beliefs, she said. The Government also
ensured that the human rights of migrants living in the country were
respected, including their right to equal access to laws, which was
guaranteed by the independent judicial system. Other measures put in
place to promote social and economic development included the
allocation of 22 per cent of the national budget to education sector
as a mean to promote equality, peace and justice. On
self-determination, she pointed out that the Palestinian people were
deprived of that universal right. Israel's illegal settlement and
expansion policies required the United Arab Emirates to call upon the
Security Council to take serious measures towards the establishment of
a Palestinian State, with East Jerusalem as its capital, she said,
requesting full United Nations membership for the State of Palestine.
AMJAD MOHAMMED SALEH AL-MOUMANI (Jordan), echoed other speakers in
emphasizing that the right to self-determination was one of the most
important ones because none could be enjoyed without it. Also, the
International Court of Justice had reiterated the need for "granting
the right of people to self-determination". In that context, the
Palestinian right to self-determination was a core issue in the Middle
East, he emphasized, calling for the establishment of a Palestinian
State, within the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as it capital.
Jordan also called upon Israel to stop building illegal settlements in
the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
MUSTAFIZUR RAHMAN ( Bangladesh) highlighted several measures that
could be taken in the fight against all forms of discrimination. Given
the interplay and mutually reinforcing character of racism and
poverty, efforts to eliminate the former must be undertaken in
conjunction with poverty eradication and human development, he said.
Intercultural dialogue, tolerance and respect for diversity were
essential tools for combating racial discrimination and related
intolerance, he said, adding in that regard that education espousing a
culture of peace could go a long way towards bridging divides and
promoting tolerance and mutual trust. Governments bore the primary
responsibility for weeding out hatred and intolerance, while
protecting all within their national boundaries through the
implementation of national laws. Freedom of expression was one of the
essential elements of a democratic and tolerant society, he said,
urging vigilance against the spread of racist prejudice and religious
intolerance.
NADYA RASHEED, observer for the State of Palestine, said Israel had
deliberately ignored the universally recognized International Bill of
Human Rights, as well as all aspects of international and humanitarian
law, for more than four decades. The obvious manifestation of that was
its construction of settlements and related infrastructure in Occupied
Palestine. Although the international community was united in its view
that the settlements were illegal and posed a serious obstacle to the
realization of peace, Israel continued to carry out its colonial
expansionist measures, she said, identifying the illegal settlements
as settler colonialism. It was rooted in racism and racial
discrimination since it negated the most basic rights of the
indigenous people, their national rights and even their very
existence. "Speaking of peace while engaging in its destruction makes
a mockery of the international community's support for the two-State
solution and diminishes the viability of two States, obstructing a
real peace agreement from materializing," she stressed. Welcoming the
General Assembly's decision to accord Palestine non-member observer
State status in the United Nations, she called upon the international
community to undertake more serious, practical measures to compel
Israel to halt its illegal settlement activities and all other
unlawful polices in Occupied Palestine.
TOFIG MUSAYEV ( Azerbaijan) emphasized the critical need to pay
greater attention to persistent racial prejudice and negative
stereotypes, hate speech by public officials and media, and violent
attacks on groups with a "view to creating ethnically homogenous
societies". Particular attention should be paid to policies and
practices aiming to alter the demographic balance of occupied
territories and preventing forcibly displaced populations from
returning to their homes. It had been internationally recognized that
Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding districts of Azerbaijan were
under Armenian occupation, he said, adding that the creation of a
"monoethnic culture" in that area, as well as the establishment of a
separatist regime, constituted an integral part of Armenia's policy of
hatred. The international community, including relevant United Nations
bodies, had repeatedly expressed their serious concerns about the
spirit of intolerance prevailing in Armenia, and the country's
discriminatory policies, he noted.
Right of Reply
The representative of Israel, speaking in exercise of the right of
reply, said the history of the Middle East showed that peace could not
be negotiated from the outside, and that only the countries involved
needed to sit at the peace table. Israel's peace talks with Jordan and
Egypt had resulted in positive and peaceful agreements, he noted.
Ongoing negotiations with the Palestinians had produced positive
results thus far, he said, reiterating his country's readiness and
ability to make the difficult concessions it was required to make.
Only the two parties involved could find the right way to create two
States living next to each other, he said, underlining his
Government's willingness to recognize Palestinian aspirations, but
calling upon Palestine to recognize Israel.
The representative of Armenia, responding to the statement by the
delegate from Azerbaijan, said that intervention was intended to
distort and misrepresent the struggle of the peoples of
Nagorno-Karabakh and their right to self-determination. Azerbaijan was
occupying the region, forcing its people to become refugees and
internally displaced persons. Azerbaijan was claiming something it did
not own, he added.
The observer for the State of Palestine said it was convenient for
Israel not to admit that it was an occupying Power, but despite
Palestine's aspirations for peace, the occupation existed and
inflicted suffering on millions of people. "The right to
self-determination belongs to all, and doesn't come after
negotiations," she emphasized, asking how genuine the peace talks
could be when the reality on the ground showed the theft of
Palestinian territory, indiscriminate arrest and detention,
displacement of families, and the imprisonment of more than 1.7
million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. By claiming to make genuine
peace policies and to support Palestinian aspirations, Israel was
making a mockery of the United Nations, she stressed.
The representative of Azerbaijan said the comments by Armenia's
delegate illustrated that country's efforts to mislead the
international community. Under the Soviet legal system, the
unlawfulness of any attempt either to unify Nagorno-Karabakh with
Armenia or to ensure its secession from Azerbaijan without that
country's consent had been confirmed at the highest constitutional
level. Accordingly, Azerbaijan was entitled to independence within its
Soviet-era territorial boundaries, he said. He then recalled a 1993
Security Council resolution condemning the use of force against
Azerbaijan, and the occupation of its territory, while demanding
immediate, full and unconditional withdrawal of the occupying forces.
The Council had confirmed Nagorno-Karabakh's status as part of
Azerbaijan, and reaffirmed its respect for the sovereignty and
territorial integrity of Azerbaijan as well as the inviolability of
its international borders.
The representative of Israel called for an end to the "blame-game".
Recalling the 2001 United Nations resolution on the right to
self-determination, he pointed out that throughout the 20 years from
1947 to 1967, when the territory had been under Arab control, no
attempt had been made to establish a Palestinian State. Only now was a
serious attempt being made to address that issue, he added.
The representative of Armenia said it was impossible to remain silent
before the lies pronounced by Azerbaijan's delegate, who was not
interested in a peaceful solution. Regarding the 1993 Security Council
resolution, he said Azerbaijan was violating it and misinterpreting
the Council's calls for a ceasefire.
The representative of Azerbaijan said the remarks made by Armenia's
delegate were full of distortions and misinterpretation, emphasizing
that the Security Council resolution was the only authority on the
matter. It declared Armenian claims null and void, he stressed. The
peoples to which the principle of self-determination applied had been
clearly defined, and the inhabitants of Nagorno-Karabakh did not fit
any of those categories. "I am convinced that careful reading of
international documents would dissuade the Armenian representative
from making irrelevant comments," said in conclusion.
* *** *
For information media not an official record
Self-Determination Integral to Basic Human Rights, Fundamental
Freedoms, Third Committee Told as It Concludes General Discussion
5 November 2013
General Assembly
GA/SHC/4085
Department of Public Information News and Media Division New York
Sixty-eighth General Assembly
Third Committee
40th Meeting (AM)
Self-Determination Integral to Basic Human Rights, Fundamental Freedoms,
Third Committee Told as It Concludes General Discussion
The right to self-determination was an integral element of basic human
rights and fundamental freedoms, the Third Committee (Social,
Humanitarian and Cultural) heard today as it concluded its general
discussion on that subject, and on the elimination of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
"It is only through the realization of this very basic right of people
to determine, with no compulsion or coercion, their own future,
political status and independence that we can begin to address others
such as dignity, justice, progress and equity," said the
representative of Maldives. Yet millions of people were stripped of
the right to determine their own fate, due either to military
intervention, aggression, occupation or to exploitation by foreign
Powers.
The representatives of both Bolivia and Jordan echoed that sentiment,
emphasizing that respect for the principle of self-determination was a
precondition for the enjoyment of other human rights, and no other
right could be fully enjoyed without it. Among many others, the
representative of the United Arab Emirates noted that the Palestinian
people were deprived of the right to self-determination, which was
universal.
Israel's representative and the observer for the State of Palestine
engaged in a series of exchanges, in exercise of the right of reply,
with the latter saying that Israel had deliberately ignored the
universally recognized International Bill of Human Rights as well as
all aspects of international and humanitarian law, for more than four
decades. "Speaking of peace while engaging in its destruction makes a
mockery of the international community's support for the two-State
solution and diminishes the viability of two States, obstructing a
real peace agreement from materializing," she added.
Israel's representative emphasized that only the parties involved need
sit at the peace table, reiterating his country's readiness and
ability to make the difficult concession it was required to make.
"Only the two parties involved can find the right way to create two
States living next to each other."
The observer for the State of Palestine responded by declaring: "The
right to self-determination belongs to all, and doesn't come after
negotiations."
Other participants were speakers representing Australia, Indonesia,
Bangladesh and Azerbaijan.
Also speaking in exercise of the right of reply were representatives
of Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The Third Committee will reconvene at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, 6
November, when it is expected to hear the annual briefing by the High
Commissioner for Refugees.
Background
The Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) met this
morning to continue its general discussion on the elimination of
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, as
well as the right of peoples to self-determination. For background
information, see Press Release GA/SHC/4084 of 4 November.
Statements
SACHA SERGIO LLORENTTY SOLIZ (Bolivia), associating himself with the
Group of 77 and China, said that his country's renewed foundation in
2009, embodied in its political constitution, had been prompted by
groups traditionally marginalized by colonial Powers. Such groups had
become protagonists of all measures aimed at restoring identity values
to indigenous peoples, women and persons of African descent, among
others. Bolivia had not only ratified the Durban Declaration and
Programme of Action and the outcome document of the Second Durban
Review Conference, it had also translated those instruments into the
national Law against Racism and All Forms of Discrimination. The law
established mechanisms and procedures for preventing and punishing
racism in all its forms and for consolidating public policies for its
elimination. On self-determination, he said respect for that principle
was a precondition for the enjoyment of other human rights, and for
that reason, Bolivia demanded the immediate withdrawal of Israeli
forces from all occupied Arab territories, including Palestine and the
Syrian Golan Heights. Bolivia also supported the right of the Puerto
Rican people to self-determination, he added.
TANISHA HEWANPOLA ( Australia) said her country attached a high value
to the right to freedom of religion or belief. Everyone was free to
adopt a religion without coercion, a right protected by the
constitution and reflected in national laws. Governments must foster
environments of tolerance and ensure respect for the freedom of
religion or belief, as well as the freedoms of opinion and expression.
Emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity, she said it should
be enjoyed, genuinely accepted and embraced, pointing out that, to
coincide with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination
of Racial Discrimination, her country celebrated Harmony Day each
March for everyone who called Australia home from its traditional
owners to those who had come from many other countries around the
world.
FATHIMATH NAJWA ( Maldives) said the right to self-determination was
an integral element of basic human rights and fundamental freedoms.
"It is only through the realization of this very basic right of people
to determine, with no compulsion or coercion, their own future,
political status and independence that we can begin to address others,
such as dignity, justice, progress and equity," she noted. Yet,
millions of people were stripped of the right to determine their own
fate, either due to military intervention, aggression, occupation or
exploitation by foreign Powers. She strongly deplored the exploitation
of people in the name of development and the use of natural resources
in territories traditionally occupied or used by indigenous groups,
without regard to their cultural integrity or preservation. On
Palestine, the Maldives supported a two-State solution, in accordance
with the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as the capital of the
State of Palestine.
NONA GAE LUNA (Indonesia), associating herself with the Group of 77
and China, said people of African descent still faced "arduous
challenges" around the world, and for that reason, her country
encouraged the concerted efforts to make the proposed international
decade for people of African descent truly effective. If used
properly, it "will be beneficial for the international community as a
whole", not only for people of African descent, she said, underlining
the important role played by the media in that respect. Media could
help combat stereotypes often fostered in the name of freedom of
expression, because Governments could not succeed in doing so on their
own. Indonesia had demonstrated its staunch commitment to the
eradication of racism at the national level by creating a national
human rights commission tasked with, among other things, monitoring
existing laws that could contravene the principle of tolerance, and by
fostering reconciliatory dialogue between diverging groups. The
Government had also created the Inter-religion Harmony Forum,
alongside 22 other Governments, she said, adding in that context that
the draft of a multinational instrument had been proposed in 2012.
Such instruments should be the product of international consensus, she
emphasized.
ALIA AL DHAHERI (United Arab Emirates), associating himself with the
Group of 77 and China, said that respect for universal human rights
was enshrined in the United Nations Charter, calling on Member States
to assume their responsibility and create a world free of
discrimination, she listed the initiatives her Government had
undertaken at the national level, including its banning of torture.
Although an Islamic country, the United Arab Emirates hosted more than
200 nationalities that lived in freedom and peace while freely
exercising their religion and beliefs, she said. The Government also
ensured that the human rights of migrants living in the country were
respected, including their right to equal access to laws, which was
guaranteed by the independent judicial system. Other measures put in
place to promote social and economic development included the
allocation of 22 per cent of the national budget to education sector
as a mean to promote equality, peace and justice. On
self-determination, she pointed out that the Palestinian people were
deprived of that universal right. Israel's illegal settlement and
expansion policies required the United Arab Emirates to call upon the
Security Council to take serious measures towards the establishment of
a Palestinian State, with East Jerusalem as its capital, she said,
requesting full United Nations membership for the State of Palestine.
AMJAD MOHAMMED SALEH AL-MOUMANI (Jordan), echoed other speakers in
emphasizing that the right to self-determination was one of the most
important ones because none could be enjoyed without it. Also, the
International Court of Justice had reiterated the need for "granting
the right of people to self-determination". In that context, the
Palestinian right to self-determination was a core issue in the Middle
East, he emphasized, calling for the establishment of a Palestinian
State, within the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as it capital.
Jordan also called upon Israel to stop building illegal settlements in
the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
MUSTAFIZUR RAHMAN ( Bangladesh) highlighted several measures that
could be taken in the fight against all forms of discrimination. Given
the interplay and mutually reinforcing character of racism and
poverty, efforts to eliminate the former must be undertaken in
conjunction with poverty eradication and human development, he said.
Intercultural dialogue, tolerance and respect for diversity were
essential tools for combating racial discrimination and related
intolerance, he said, adding in that regard that education espousing a
culture of peace could go a long way towards bridging divides and
promoting tolerance and mutual trust. Governments bore the primary
responsibility for weeding out hatred and intolerance, while
protecting all within their national boundaries through the
implementation of national laws. Freedom of expression was one of the
essential elements of a democratic and tolerant society, he said,
urging vigilance against the spread of racist prejudice and religious
intolerance.
NADYA RASHEED, observer for the State of Palestine, said Israel had
deliberately ignored the universally recognized International Bill of
Human Rights, as well as all aspects of international and humanitarian
law, for more than four decades. The obvious manifestation of that was
its construction of settlements and related infrastructure in Occupied
Palestine. Although the international community was united in its view
that the settlements were illegal and posed a serious obstacle to the
realization of peace, Israel continued to carry out its colonial
expansionist measures, she said, identifying the illegal settlements
as settler colonialism. It was rooted in racism and racial
discrimination since it negated the most basic rights of the
indigenous people, their national rights and even their very
existence. "Speaking of peace while engaging in its destruction makes
a mockery of the international community's support for the two-State
solution and diminishes the viability of two States, obstructing a
real peace agreement from materializing," she stressed. Welcoming the
General Assembly's decision to accord Palestine non-member observer
State status in the United Nations, she called upon the international
community to undertake more serious, practical measures to compel
Israel to halt its illegal settlement activities and all other
unlawful polices in Occupied Palestine.
TOFIG MUSAYEV ( Azerbaijan) emphasized the critical need to pay
greater attention to persistent racial prejudice and negative
stereotypes, hate speech by public officials and media, and violent
attacks on groups with a "view to creating ethnically homogenous
societies". Particular attention should be paid to policies and
practices aiming to alter the demographic balance of occupied
territories and preventing forcibly displaced populations from
returning to their homes. It had been internationally recognized that
Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding districts of Azerbaijan were
under Armenian occupation, he said, adding that the creation of a
"monoethnic culture" in that area, as well as the establishment of a
separatist regime, constituted an integral part of Armenia's policy of
hatred. The international community, including relevant United Nations
bodies, had repeatedly expressed their serious concerns about the
spirit of intolerance prevailing in Armenia, and the country's
discriminatory policies, he noted.
Right of Reply
The representative of Israel, speaking in exercise of the right of
reply, said the history of the Middle East showed that peace could not
be negotiated from the outside, and that only the countries involved
needed to sit at the peace table. Israel's peace talks with Jordan and
Egypt had resulted in positive and peaceful agreements, he noted.
Ongoing negotiations with the Palestinians had produced positive
results thus far, he said, reiterating his country's readiness and
ability to make the difficult concessions it was required to make.
Only the two parties involved could find the right way to create two
States living next to each other, he said, underlining his
Government's willingness to recognize Palestinian aspirations, but
calling upon Palestine to recognize Israel.
The representative of Armenia, responding to the statement by the
delegate from Azerbaijan, said that intervention was intended to
distort and misrepresent the struggle of the peoples of
Nagorno-Karabakh and their right to self-determination. Azerbaijan was
occupying the region, forcing its people to become refugees and
internally displaced persons. Azerbaijan was claiming something it did
not own, he added.
The observer for the State of Palestine said it was convenient for
Israel not to admit that it was an occupying Power, but despite
Palestine's aspirations for peace, the occupation existed and
inflicted suffering on millions of people. "The right to
self-determination belongs to all, and doesn't come after
negotiations," she emphasized, asking how genuine the peace talks
could be when the reality on the ground showed the theft of
Palestinian territory, indiscriminate arrest and detention,
displacement of families, and the imprisonment of more than 1.7
million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. By claiming to make genuine
peace policies and to support Palestinian aspirations, Israel was
making a mockery of the United Nations, she stressed.
The representative of Azerbaijan said the comments by Armenia's
delegate illustrated that country's efforts to mislead the
international community. Under the Soviet legal system, the
unlawfulness of any attempt either to unify Nagorno-Karabakh with
Armenia or to ensure its secession from Azerbaijan without that
country's consent had been confirmed at the highest constitutional
level. Accordingly, Azerbaijan was entitled to independence within its
Soviet-era territorial boundaries, he said. He then recalled a 1993
Security Council resolution condemning the use of force against
Azerbaijan, and the occupation of its territory, while demanding
immediate, full and unconditional withdrawal of the occupying forces.
The Council had confirmed Nagorno-Karabakh's status as part of
Azerbaijan, and reaffirmed its respect for the sovereignty and
territorial integrity of Azerbaijan as well as the inviolability of
its international borders.
The representative of Israel called for an end to the "blame-game".
Recalling the 2001 United Nations resolution on the right to
self-determination, he pointed out that throughout the 20 years from
1947 to 1967, when the territory had been under Arab control, no
attempt had been made to establish a Palestinian State. Only now was a
serious attempt being made to address that issue, he added.
The representative of Armenia said it was impossible to remain silent
before the lies pronounced by Azerbaijan's delegate, who was not
interested in a peaceful solution. Regarding the 1993 Security Council
resolution, he said Azerbaijan was violating it and misinterpreting
the Council's calls for a ceasefire.
The representative of Azerbaijan said the remarks made by Armenia's
delegate were full of distortions and misinterpretation, emphasizing
that the Security Council resolution was the only authority on the
matter. It declared Armenian claims null and void, he stressed. The
peoples to which the principle of self-determination applied had been
clearly defined, and the inhabitants of Nagorno-Karabakh did not fit
any of those categories. "I am convinced that careful reading of
international documents would dissuade the Armenian representative
from making irrelevant comments," said in conclusion.
November 5, 2013 Tuesday
SELF-DETERMINATION INTEGRAL TO BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS, FUNDAMENTAL
FREEDOMS, THIRD COMMITTEE TOLD AS IT CONCLUDES GENERAL DISCUSSION
NEW YORK
The following information was released by the UN General Assembly:
The right to self-determination was an integral element of basic human
rights and fundamental freedoms, the Third Committee (Social,
Humanitarian and Cultural) heard today as it concluded its general
discussion on that subject, and on the elimination of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
"It is only through the realization of this very basic right of people
to determine, with no compulsion or coercion, their own future,
political status and independence that we can begin to address others
such as dignity, justice, progress and equity," said the
representative of Maldives. Yet millions of people were stripped of
the right to determine their own fate, due either to military
intervention, aggression, occupation or to exploitation by foreign
Powers.
The representatives of both Bolivia and Jordan echoed that sentiment,
emphasizing that respect for the principle of self-determination was a
precondition for the enjoyment of other human rights, and no other
right could be fully enjoyed without it. Among many others, the
representative of the United Arab Emirates noted that the Palestinian
people were deprived of the right to self-determination, which was
universal.
Israel's representative and the observer for the State of Palestine
engaged in a series of exchanges, in exercise of the right of reply,
with the latter saying that Israel had deliberately ignored the
universally recognized International Bill of Human Rights as well as
all aspects of international and humanitarian law, for more than four
decades. "Speaking of peace while engaging in its destruction makes a
mockery of the international community's support for the two-State
solution and diminishes the viability of two States, obstructing a
real peace agreement from materializing," she added.
Israel's representative emphasized that only the parties involved need
sit at the peace table, reiterating his country's readiness and
ability to make the difficult concession it was required to make.
"Only the two parties involved can find the right way to create two
States living next to each other."
The observer for the State of Palestine responded by declaring: "The
right to self-determination belongs to all, and doesn't come after
negotiations."
Other participants were speakers representing Australia, Indonesia,
Bangladesh and Azerbaijan.
Also speaking in exercise of the right of reply were representatives
of Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The Third Committee will reconvene at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, 6
November, when it is expected to hear the annual briefing by the High
Commissioner for Refugees.
Background
The Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) met this
morning to continue its general discussion on the elimination of
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, as
well as the right of peoples to self-determination. For background
information, see Press Release GA/SHC/4084 of 4 November.
Statements
SACHA SERGIO LLORENTTY SOLIZ (Bolivia), associating himself with the
Group of 77 and China, said that his country's renewed foundation in
2009, embodied in its political constitution, had been prompted by
groups traditionally marginalized by colonial Powers. Such groups had
become protagonists of all measures aimed at restoring identity values
to indigenous peoples, women and persons of African descent, among
others. Bolivia had not only ratified the Durban Declaration and
Programme of Action and the outcome document of the Second Durban
Review Conference, it had also translated those instruments into the
national Law against Racism and All Forms of Discrimination. The law
established mechanisms and procedures for preventing and punishing
racism in all its forms and for consolidating public policies for its
elimination. On self-determination, he said respect for that principle
was a precondition for the enjoyment of other human rights, and for
that reason, Bolivia demanded the immediate withdrawal of Israeli
forces from all occupied Arab territories, including Palestine and the
Syrian Golan Heights. Bolivia also supported the right of the Puerto
Rican people to self-determination, he added.
TANISHA HEWANPOLA ( Australia) said her country attached a high value
to the right to freedom of religion or belief. Everyone was free to
adopt a religion without coercion, a right protected by the
constitution and reflected in national laws. Governments must foster
environments of tolerance and ensure respect for the freedom of
religion or belief, as well as the freedoms of opinion and expression.
Emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity, she said it should
be enjoyed, genuinely accepted and embraced, pointing out that, to
coincide with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination
of Racial Discrimination, her country celebrated Harmony Day each
March for everyone who called Australia home from its traditional
owners to those who had come from many other countries around the
world.
FATHIMATH NAJWA ( Maldives) said the right to self-determination was
an integral element of basic human rights and fundamental freedoms.
"It is only through the realization of this very basic right of people
to determine, with no compulsion or coercion, their own future,
political status and independence that we can begin to address others,
such as dignity, justice, progress and equity," she noted. Yet,
millions of people were stripped of the right to determine their own
fate, either due to military intervention, aggression, occupation or
exploitation by foreign Powers. She strongly deplored the exploitation
of people in the name of development and the use of natural resources
in territories traditionally occupied or used by indigenous groups,
without regard to their cultural integrity or preservation. On
Palestine, the Maldives supported a two-State solution, in accordance
with the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as the capital of the
State of Palestine.
NONA GAE LUNA (Indonesia), associating herself with the Group of 77
and China, said people of African descent still faced "arduous
challenges" around the world, and for that reason, her country
encouraged the concerted efforts to make the proposed international
decade for people of African descent truly effective. If used
properly, it "will be beneficial for the international community as a
whole", not only for people of African descent, she said, underlining
the important role played by the media in that respect. Media could
help combat stereotypes often fostered in the name of freedom of
expression, because Governments could not succeed in doing so on their
own. Indonesia had demonstrated its staunch commitment to the
eradication of racism at the national level by creating a national
human rights commission tasked with, among other things, monitoring
existing laws that could contravene the principle of tolerance, and by
fostering reconciliatory dialogue between diverging groups. The
Government had also created the Inter-religion Harmony Forum,
alongside 22 other Governments, she said, adding in that context that
the draft of a multinational instrument had been proposed in 2012.
Such instruments should be the product of international consensus, she
emphasized.
ALIA AL DHAHERI (United Arab Emirates), associating himself with the
Group of 77 and China, said that respect for universal human rights
was enshrined in the United Nations Charter, calling on Member States
to assume their responsibility and create a world free of
discrimination, she listed the initiatives her Government had
undertaken at the national level, including its banning of torture.
Although an Islamic country, the United Arab Emirates hosted more than
200 nationalities that lived in freedom and peace while freely
exercising their religion and beliefs, she said. The Government also
ensured that the human rights of migrants living in the country were
respected, including their right to equal access to laws, which was
guaranteed by the independent judicial system. Other measures put in
place to promote social and economic development included the
allocation of 22 per cent of the national budget to education sector
as a mean to promote equality, peace and justice. On
self-determination, she pointed out that the Palestinian people were
deprived of that universal right. Israel's illegal settlement and
expansion policies required the United Arab Emirates to call upon the
Security Council to take serious measures towards the establishment of
a Palestinian State, with East Jerusalem as its capital, she said,
requesting full United Nations membership for the State of Palestine.
AMJAD MOHAMMED SALEH AL-MOUMANI (Jordan), echoed other speakers in
emphasizing that the right to self-determination was one of the most
important ones because none could be enjoyed without it. Also, the
International Court of Justice had reiterated the need for "granting
the right of people to self-determination". In that context, the
Palestinian right to self-determination was a core issue in the Middle
East, he emphasized, calling for the establishment of a Palestinian
State, within the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as it capital.
Jordan also called upon Israel to stop building illegal settlements in
the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
MUSTAFIZUR RAHMAN ( Bangladesh) highlighted several measures that
could be taken in the fight against all forms of discrimination. Given
the interplay and mutually reinforcing character of racism and
poverty, efforts to eliminate the former must be undertaken in
conjunction with poverty eradication and human development, he said.
Intercultural dialogue, tolerance and respect for diversity were
essential tools for combating racial discrimination and related
intolerance, he said, adding in that regard that education espousing a
culture of peace could go a long way towards bridging divides and
promoting tolerance and mutual trust. Governments bore the primary
responsibility for weeding out hatred and intolerance, while
protecting all within their national boundaries through the
implementation of national laws. Freedom of expression was one of the
essential elements of a democratic and tolerant society, he said,
urging vigilance against the spread of racist prejudice and religious
intolerance.
NADYA RASHEED, observer for the State of Palestine, said Israel had
deliberately ignored the universally recognized International Bill of
Human Rights, as well as all aspects of international and humanitarian
law, for more than four decades. The obvious manifestation of that was
its construction of settlements and related infrastructure in Occupied
Palestine. Although the international community was united in its view
that the settlements were illegal and posed a serious obstacle to the
realization of peace, Israel continued to carry out its colonial
expansionist measures, she said, identifying the illegal settlements
as settler colonialism. It was rooted in racism and racial
discrimination since it negated the most basic rights of the
indigenous people, their national rights and even their very
existence. "Speaking of peace while engaging in its destruction makes
a mockery of the international community's support for the two-State
solution and diminishes the viability of two States, obstructing a
real peace agreement from materializing," she stressed. Welcoming the
General Assembly's decision to accord Palestine non-member observer
State status in the United Nations, she called upon the international
community to undertake more serious, practical measures to compel
Israel to halt its illegal settlement activities and all other
unlawful polices in Occupied Palestine.
TOFIG MUSAYEV ( Azerbaijan) emphasized the critical need to pay
greater attention to persistent racial prejudice and negative
stereotypes, hate speech by public officials and media, and violent
attacks on groups with a "view to creating ethnically homogenous
societies". Particular attention should be paid to policies and
practices aiming to alter the demographic balance of occupied
territories and preventing forcibly displaced populations from
returning to their homes. It had been internationally recognized that
Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding districts of Azerbaijan were
under Armenian occupation, he said, adding that the creation of a
"monoethnic culture" in that area, as well as the establishment of a
separatist regime, constituted an integral part of Armenia's policy of
hatred. The international community, including relevant United Nations
bodies, had repeatedly expressed their serious concerns about the
spirit of intolerance prevailing in Armenia, and the country's
discriminatory policies, he noted.
Right of Reply
The representative of Israel, speaking in exercise of the right of
reply, said the history of the Middle East showed that peace could not
be negotiated from the outside, and that only the countries involved
needed to sit at the peace table. Israel's peace talks with Jordan and
Egypt had resulted in positive and peaceful agreements, he noted.
Ongoing negotiations with the Palestinians had produced positive
results thus far, he said, reiterating his country's readiness and
ability to make the difficult concessions it was required to make.
Only the two parties involved could find the right way to create two
States living next to each other, he said, underlining his
Government's willingness to recognize Palestinian aspirations, but
calling upon Palestine to recognize Israel.
The representative of Armenia, responding to the statement by the
delegate from Azerbaijan, said that intervention was intended to
distort and misrepresent the struggle of the peoples of
Nagorno-Karabakh and their right to self-determination. Azerbaijan was
occupying the region, forcing its people to become refugees and
internally displaced persons. Azerbaijan was claiming something it did
not own, he added.
The observer for the State of Palestine said it was convenient for
Israel not to admit that it was an occupying Power, but despite
Palestine's aspirations for peace, the occupation existed and
inflicted suffering on millions of people. "The right to
self-determination belongs to all, and doesn't come after
negotiations," she emphasized, asking how genuine the peace talks
could be when the reality on the ground showed the theft of
Palestinian territory, indiscriminate arrest and detention,
displacement of families, and the imprisonment of more than 1.7
million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. By claiming to make genuine
peace policies and to support Palestinian aspirations, Israel was
making a mockery of the United Nations, she stressed.
The representative of Azerbaijan said the comments by Armenia's
delegate illustrated that country's efforts to mislead the
international community. Under the Soviet legal system, the
unlawfulness of any attempt either to unify Nagorno-Karabakh with
Armenia or to ensure its secession from Azerbaijan without that
country's consent had been confirmed at the highest constitutional
level. Accordingly, Azerbaijan was entitled to independence within its
Soviet-era territorial boundaries, he said. He then recalled a 1993
Security Council resolution condemning the use of force against
Azerbaijan, and the occupation of its territory, while demanding
immediate, full and unconditional withdrawal of the occupying forces.
The Council had confirmed Nagorno-Karabakh's status as part of
Azerbaijan, and reaffirmed its respect for the sovereignty and
territorial integrity of Azerbaijan as well as the inviolability of
its international borders.
The representative of Israel called for an end to the "blame-game".
Recalling the 2001 United Nations resolution on the right to
self-determination, he pointed out that throughout the 20 years from
1947 to 1967, when the territory had been under Arab control, no
attempt had been made to establish a Palestinian State. Only now was a
serious attempt being made to address that issue, he added.
The representative of Armenia said it was impossible to remain silent
before the lies pronounced by Azerbaijan's delegate, who was not
interested in a peaceful solution. Regarding the 1993 Security Council
resolution, he said Azerbaijan was violating it and misinterpreting
the Council's calls for a ceasefire.
The representative of Azerbaijan said the remarks made by Armenia's
delegate were full of distortions and misinterpretation, emphasizing
that the Security Council resolution was the only authority on the
matter. It declared Armenian claims null and void, he stressed. The
peoples to which the principle of self-determination applied had been
clearly defined, and the inhabitants of Nagorno-Karabakh did not fit
any of those categories. "I am convinced that careful reading of
international documents would dissuade the Armenian representative
from making irrelevant comments," said in conclusion.
* *** *
For information media not an official record
Self-Determination Integral to Basic Human Rights, Fundamental
Freedoms, Third Committee Told as It Concludes General Discussion
5 November 2013
General Assembly
GA/SHC/4085
Department of Public Information News and Media Division New York
Sixty-eighth General Assembly
Third Committee
40th Meeting (AM)
Self-Determination Integral to Basic Human Rights, Fundamental Freedoms,
Third Committee Told as It Concludes General Discussion
The right to self-determination was an integral element of basic human
rights and fundamental freedoms, the Third Committee (Social,
Humanitarian and Cultural) heard today as it concluded its general
discussion on that subject, and on the elimination of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
"It is only through the realization of this very basic right of people
to determine, with no compulsion or coercion, their own future,
political status and independence that we can begin to address others
such as dignity, justice, progress and equity," said the
representative of Maldives. Yet millions of people were stripped of
the right to determine their own fate, due either to military
intervention, aggression, occupation or to exploitation by foreign
Powers.
The representatives of both Bolivia and Jordan echoed that sentiment,
emphasizing that respect for the principle of self-determination was a
precondition for the enjoyment of other human rights, and no other
right could be fully enjoyed without it. Among many others, the
representative of the United Arab Emirates noted that the Palestinian
people were deprived of the right to self-determination, which was
universal.
Israel's representative and the observer for the State of Palestine
engaged in a series of exchanges, in exercise of the right of reply,
with the latter saying that Israel had deliberately ignored the
universally recognized International Bill of Human Rights as well as
all aspects of international and humanitarian law, for more than four
decades. "Speaking of peace while engaging in its destruction makes a
mockery of the international community's support for the two-State
solution and diminishes the viability of two States, obstructing a
real peace agreement from materializing," she added.
Israel's representative emphasized that only the parties involved need
sit at the peace table, reiterating his country's readiness and
ability to make the difficult concession it was required to make.
"Only the two parties involved can find the right way to create two
States living next to each other."
The observer for the State of Palestine responded by declaring: "The
right to self-determination belongs to all, and doesn't come after
negotiations."
Other participants were speakers representing Australia, Indonesia,
Bangladesh and Azerbaijan.
Also speaking in exercise of the right of reply were representatives
of Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The Third Committee will reconvene at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, 6
November, when it is expected to hear the annual briefing by the High
Commissioner for Refugees.
Background
The Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) met this
morning to continue its general discussion on the elimination of
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, as
well as the right of peoples to self-determination. For background
information, see Press Release GA/SHC/4084 of 4 November.
Statements
SACHA SERGIO LLORENTTY SOLIZ (Bolivia), associating himself with the
Group of 77 and China, said that his country's renewed foundation in
2009, embodied in its political constitution, had been prompted by
groups traditionally marginalized by colonial Powers. Such groups had
become protagonists of all measures aimed at restoring identity values
to indigenous peoples, women and persons of African descent, among
others. Bolivia had not only ratified the Durban Declaration and
Programme of Action and the outcome document of the Second Durban
Review Conference, it had also translated those instruments into the
national Law against Racism and All Forms of Discrimination. The law
established mechanisms and procedures for preventing and punishing
racism in all its forms and for consolidating public policies for its
elimination. On self-determination, he said respect for that principle
was a precondition for the enjoyment of other human rights, and for
that reason, Bolivia demanded the immediate withdrawal of Israeli
forces from all occupied Arab territories, including Palestine and the
Syrian Golan Heights. Bolivia also supported the right of the Puerto
Rican people to self-determination, he added.
TANISHA HEWANPOLA ( Australia) said her country attached a high value
to the right to freedom of religion or belief. Everyone was free to
adopt a religion without coercion, a right protected by the
constitution and reflected in national laws. Governments must foster
environments of tolerance and ensure respect for the freedom of
religion or belief, as well as the freedoms of opinion and expression.
Emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity, she said it should
be enjoyed, genuinely accepted and embraced, pointing out that, to
coincide with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination
of Racial Discrimination, her country celebrated Harmony Day each
March for everyone who called Australia home from its traditional
owners to those who had come from many other countries around the
world.
FATHIMATH NAJWA ( Maldives) said the right to self-determination was
an integral element of basic human rights and fundamental freedoms.
"It is only through the realization of this very basic right of people
to determine, with no compulsion or coercion, their own future,
political status and independence that we can begin to address others,
such as dignity, justice, progress and equity," she noted. Yet,
millions of people were stripped of the right to determine their own
fate, either due to military intervention, aggression, occupation or
exploitation by foreign Powers. She strongly deplored the exploitation
of people in the name of development and the use of natural resources
in territories traditionally occupied or used by indigenous groups,
without regard to their cultural integrity or preservation. On
Palestine, the Maldives supported a two-State solution, in accordance
with the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as the capital of the
State of Palestine.
NONA GAE LUNA (Indonesia), associating herself with the Group of 77
and China, said people of African descent still faced "arduous
challenges" around the world, and for that reason, her country
encouraged the concerted efforts to make the proposed international
decade for people of African descent truly effective. If used
properly, it "will be beneficial for the international community as a
whole", not only for people of African descent, she said, underlining
the important role played by the media in that respect. Media could
help combat stereotypes often fostered in the name of freedom of
expression, because Governments could not succeed in doing so on their
own. Indonesia had demonstrated its staunch commitment to the
eradication of racism at the national level by creating a national
human rights commission tasked with, among other things, monitoring
existing laws that could contravene the principle of tolerance, and by
fostering reconciliatory dialogue between diverging groups. The
Government had also created the Inter-religion Harmony Forum,
alongside 22 other Governments, she said, adding in that context that
the draft of a multinational instrument had been proposed in 2012.
Such instruments should be the product of international consensus, she
emphasized.
ALIA AL DHAHERI (United Arab Emirates), associating himself with the
Group of 77 and China, said that respect for universal human rights
was enshrined in the United Nations Charter, calling on Member States
to assume their responsibility and create a world free of
discrimination, she listed the initiatives her Government had
undertaken at the national level, including its banning of torture.
Although an Islamic country, the United Arab Emirates hosted more than
200 nationalities that lived in freedom and peace while freely
exercising their religion and beliefs, she said. The Government also
ensured that the human rights of migrants living in the country were
respected, including their right to equal access to laws, which was
guaranteed by the independent judicial system. Other measures put in
place to promote social and economic development included the
allocation of 22 per cent of the national budget to education sector
as a mean to promote equality, peace and justice. On
self-determination, she pointed out that the Palestinian people were
deprived of that universal right. Israel's illegal settlement and
expansion policies required the United Arab Emirates to call upon the
Security Council to take serious measures towards the establishment of
a Palestinian State, with East Jerusalem as its capital, she said,
requesting full United Nations membership for the State of Palestine.
AMJAD MOHAMMED SALEH AL-MOUMANI (Jordan), echoed other speakers in
emphasizing that the right to self-determination was one of the most
important ones because none could be enjoyed without it. Also, the
International Court of Justice had reiterated the need for "granting
the right of people to self-determination". In that context, the
Palestinian right to self-determination was a core issue in the Middle
East, he emphasized, calling for the establishment of a Palestinian
State, within the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as it capital.
Jordan also called upon Israel to stop building illegal settlements in
the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
MUSTAFIZUR RAHMAN ( Bangladesh) highlighted several measures that
could be taken in the fight against all forms of discrimination. Given
the interplay and mutually reinforcing character of racism and
poverty, efforts to eliminate the former must be undertaken in
conjunction with poverty eradication and human development, he said.
Intercultural dialogue, tolerance and respect for diversity were
essential tools for combating racial discrimination and related
intolerance, he said, adding in that regard that education espousing a
culture of peace could go a long way towards bridging divides and
promoting tolerance and mutual trust. Governments bore the primary
responsibility for weeding out hatred and intolerance, while
protecting all within their national boundaries through the
implementation of national laws. Freedom of expression was one of the
essential elements of a democratic and tolerant society, he said,
urging vigilance against the spread of racist prejudice and religious
intolerance.
NADYA RASHEED, observer for the State of Palestine, said Israel had
deliberately ignored the universally recognized International Bill of
Human Rights, as well as all aspects of international and humanitarian
law, for more than four decades. The obvious manifestation of that was
its construction of settlements and related infrastructure in Occupied
Palestine. Although the international community was united in its view
that the settlements were illegal and posed a serious obstacle to the
realization of peace, Israel continued to carry out its colonial
expansionist measures, she said, identifying the illegal settlements
as settler colonialism. It was rooted in racism and racial
discrimination since it negated the most basic rights of the
indigenous people, their national rights and even their very
existence. "Speaking of peace while engaging in its destruction makes
a mockery of the international community's support for the two-State
solution and diminishes the viability of two States, obstructing a
real peace agreement from materializing," she stressed. Welcoming the
General Assembly's decision to accord Palestine non-member observer
State status in the United Nations, she called upon the international
community to undertake more serious, practical measures to compel
Israel to halt its illegal settlement activities and all other
unlawful polices in Occupied Palestine.
TOFIG MUSAYEV ( Azerbaijan) emphasized the critical need to pay
greater attention to persistent racial prejudice and negative
stereotypes, hate speech by public officials and media, and violent
attacks on groups with a "view to creating ethnically homogenous
societies". Particular attention should be paid to policies and
practices aiming to alter the demographic balance of occupied
territories and preventing forcibly displaced populations from
returning to their homes. It had been internationally recognized that
Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding districts of Azerbaijan were
under Armenian occupation, he said, adding that the creation of a
"monoethnic culture" in that area, as well as the establishment of a
separatist regime, constituted an integral part of Armenia's policy of
hatred. The international community, including relevant United Nations
bodies, had repeatedly expressed their serious concerns about the
spirit of intolerance prevailing in Armenia, and the country's
discriminatory policies, he noted.
Right of Reply
The representative of Israel, speaking in exercise of the right of
reply, said the history of the Middle East showed that peace could not
be negotiated from the outside, and that only the countries involved
needed to sit at the peace table. Israel's peace talks with Jordan and
Egypt had resulted in positive and peaceful agreements, he noted.
Ongoing negotiations with the Palestinians had produced positive
results thus far, he said, reiterating his country's readiness and
ability to make the difficult concessions it was required to make.
Only the two parties involved could find the right way to create two
States living next to each other, he said, underlining his
Government's willingness to recognize Palestinian aspirations, but
calling upon Palestine to recognize Israel.
The representative of Armenia, responding to the statement by the
delegate from Azerbaijan, said that intervention was intended to
distort and misrepresent the struggle of the peoples of
Nagorno-Karabakh and their right to self-determination. Azerbaijan was
occupying the region, forcing its people to become refugees and
internally displaced persons. Azerbaijan was claiming something it did
not own, he added.
The observer for the State of Palestine said it was convenient for
Israel not to admit that it was an occupying Power, but despite
Palestine's aspirations for peace, the occupation existed and
inflicted suffering on millions of people. "The right to
self-determination belongs to all, and doesn't come after
negotiations," she emphasized, asking how genuine the peace talks
could be when the reality on the ground showed the theft of
Palestinian territory, indiscriminate arrest and detention,
displacement of families, and the imprisonment of more than 1.7
million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. By claiming to make genuine
peace policies and to support Palestinian aspirations, Israel was
making a mockery of the United Nations, she stressed.
The representative of Azerbaijan said the comments by Armenia's
delegate illustrated that country's efforts to mislead the
international community. Under the Soviet legal system, the
unlawfulness of any attempt either to unify Nagorno-Karabakh with
Armenia or to ensure its secession from Azerbaijan without that
country's consent had been confirmed at the highest constitutional
level. Accordingly, Azerbaijan was entitled to independence within its
Soviet-era territorial boundaries, he said. He then recalled a 1993
Security Council resolution condemning the use of force against
Azerbaijan, and the occupation of its territory, while demanding
immediate, full and unconditional withdrawal of the occupying forces.
The Council had confirmed Nagorno-Karabakh's status as part of
Azerbaijan, and reaffirmed its respect for the sovereignty and
territorial integrity of Azerbaijan as well as the inviolability of
its international borders.
The representative of Israel called for an end to the "blame-game".
Recalling the 2001 United Nations resolution on the right to
self-determination, he pointed out that throughout the 20 years from
1947 to 1967, when the territory had been under Arab control, no
attempt had been made to establish a Palestinian State. Only now was a
serious attempt being made to address that issue, he added.
The representative of Armenia said it was impossible to remain silent
before the lies pronounced by Azerbaijan's delegate, who was not
interested in a peaceful solution. Regarding the 1993 Security Council
resolution, he said Azerbaijan was violating it and misinterpreting
the Council's calls for a ceasefire.
The representative of Azerbaijan said the remarks made by Armenia's
delegate were full of distortions and misinterpretation, emphasizing
that the Security Council resolution was the only authority on the
matter. It declared Armenian claims null and void, he stressed. The
peoples to which the principle of self-determination applied had been
clearly defined, and the inhabitants of Nagorno-Karabakh did not fit
any of those categories. "I am convinced that careful reading of
international documents would dissuade the Armenian representative
from making irrelevant comments," said in conclusion.