Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Thank you Mr President,
New Zealand has actively supported the Veto Initiative from its inception, and we remain a proud proponent of Resolution 76/262. This resolution created a mechanism to ensure accountability between UN organs, in accordance with the Charter, and to ask permanent members of the Security Council that have cast a veto to explain themselves to the wider UN membership.
New Zealand believes the veto is fundamentally undemocratic in its nature. We are therefore disappointed in any use of the veto, whether it is in the process of admitting new members to the UN, or in situations where the Council has a responsibility to maintain international peace and security.
It is important to recognise the context in which this veto was cast. In New Zealand's case, we support the establishment of a Palestinian state as an expression of the fundamental right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. We have done so for decades. For us, it is a matter of ‘when, not if’ we see a Palestinian state, alongside the State of Israel.
Serious negotiations are needed to see genuine progress on the two-state solution. Action to revive the Middle East Peace Process is critical, and we will continue to call on the parties to return to the negotiating table, urgently, in an effort to work towards a two-state solution.
Mr President,
It is critical that we do not lose focus on the current crisis. Civilians are experiencing extreme suffering as this war continues. Israel needs to do more to meet its obligations under international humanitarian law. It must facilitate rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access into Gaza, including fully cooperating with the United Nations to provide food, medicine, other aid and basic services.
The need remains for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, urgent de-escalation, and the delivery of critically-needed humanitarian aid. This must be our immediate priority.
Thank you.