Embassy of Israel: Response to UN vote

Friday 30 November, 2012
MEDIA RELEASE: EMBASSY OF ISRAEL IN WELLINGTON

Ambassador Shemi Tzur’s statement in response to the UN General Assembly’s decision to vote in favor of the Palestinian bid for recognition as a non-member state at the United Nations:

The Ambassador echoed Prime Minster Netanyahu’s response: "This is a meaningless decision that will not change anything on the ground".

Expressing disappointment on the overall adoption of the resolution, the Ambassador stressed that achieving the goals of the two state solution, which would reside side-by-side, can be reached only through direct talks. The way to peace between Jerusalem and Ramallah is in direct negotiations, without preconditions, and not in one-sided UN decisions.

Answering questions regarding New Zealand's vote in support of the resolution, the Ambassador expressed regret, given his understanding of New Zealand's long-term commitment to the principle of direct negotiation as the only way to reach durable peace in the region.

The Ambassador added that Israel is prepared to live in peace with a Palestinian state, but for peace to endure, Israel's security must be protected. The Palestinians must recognize the Jewish State and they must be prepared to end the conflict with Israel once and for all.

Ambassador Tzur said, “Israel is again urging the Palestinian leadership to give up their destructive approach and work with us to forge constructive solutions at the negotiating table. The foundations for a real Palestinian statehood and real peace for Palestinians and Israelis alike can only be laid through direct talks as we did with Egypt and Jordan.“When the foundations for lasting peace are in place, Israel will not be the last nation to welcome Palestinians to the UN. We will be the first”, said the Ambassador.

Ends.

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