
MFA of Ukraine comment on the position of the Ukrainian delegation during the consideration of the UN Security Council resolution 2334 on the situation in the Middle East
On December
23, 2016 the UN Security Council adopted resolution 2334 on the situation in
the Middle East. All UN SC member states voted in favor of abovementioned
resolution except the United States which abstained.
Over the
years our State has adhered to the consistent and balanced position on the
issue of Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We stand for peaceful coexistence of two
independent States – Israel and Palestine. The settlement of the conflict must
be carried out only through peaceful means. However, we emphasize the need for
direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.
Ukraine as
well as other permanent and non-permanent members of the UN Security Council
and also the UN Secretary-General for its part more than once condemned the
settlement activities of the State of Israel, because it is contrary to the
international law. We also condemn the violence and incitement to it from the
Palestinian side.
The text of
the resolution is balanced. It calls for taking measures necessary for peaceful
solution from both Israeli and Palestinian sides: Israel should stop its
settlement activities while Palestinian authorities – to take effective
measures toward fighting against terrorism.
Our country
consistently advocates the respect for the international law by everyone and
everywhere as has experienced itself the tragic consequences brought by its
violation.
That’s why
our position was formed on the basis of our consistent line to ensure the
respect for the international law by all its subjects.
We are
convinced that only a foreign policy based on the need to protect the national
interests and on the respect for the international law and universal principles
and values is persuasive and understandable for all.
We are
confident that active and emotional internal debates in Israel will not impact
traditionally friendly Ukrainian-Israeli relationship, based on mutual respect
and joint interests.