Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Mr President,
New Zealand voted Yes on the resolution before the General Assembly today.
We approached the resolution in a constructive and practical manner.
New Zealand considers this resolution a positive step on a pathway towards an eventual two-state solution. We support its intent to make a strong statement on Palestine’s aspirations and the international community’s expectations for progress on a political solution. We hope it will reinvigorate momentum towards peace and security in the region.
At the same time, we voted in favour with the clear intention that our support for the resolution does not imply recognition of Palestinian statehood.
The resolution also does not confer full UN membership, which requires a recommendation from the Security Council, in accordance with Article 4 of the UN Charter.
A Palestinian state is an integral part of New Zealand’s long-held position on the fundamental right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and support for a two-state solution. We view this as a ‘when, not if’ question.
New Zealand also recognises the importance of Palestinian participation in the UN and other international bodies. We supported Resolution 67/19 in 2012.
We believe that recognition of Palestinian statehood and admitting it as a full member of the United Nations is inevitable.
We do not consider now, in the middle of the current crisis, to be the optimal time to progress the issue of full statehood. Some important issues, such as the political authority of a future Palestinian state, remain unsettled.
New Zealand calls on the parties to the conflict in Gaza, and all those who exercise influence over the parties, to focus attention on the needs of the moment. We must see an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a significant increase of aid into Gaza to avoid further humanitarian catastrophe and to create a lasting pathway to peace.
Thank you.