At a consultation of the United Nations Security Council on the situation of the Middle East in New York on Aug. 19, Ambassador Bui The Giang, Vietnamese deputy permanent representative to the UNSC, welcomed the persistent efforts by the Quartet, the Leagues of Arab States, regional countries and international organisations to create a necessary atmosphere for early resumption of peace negotiations on all tracks.

The Vietnamese diplomat hailed the success of the 6th Party Congress of the Palestinian National Liberation Movement (Fatah) as well as the Palestinian National Authority’s efforts to strengthen foundations for self-sustained security, socio-economic revitalisation, and future statehood.

Ambassador Giang took the occasion to call for the continuation of the Israeli relaxation of movement and access restrictions in the West Bank.

Giang expressed his deep concern over the prolonged closure of crossing points in Gaza, the sporadic rockets and mortars being fired into southern Israel, Israel’s obdurate pursuit of the Separation Wall, new settlement construction, house demolitions and military incursions against the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

“Such actions will only further erode the currently divided confidence, perpetuate the vicious cycle of violence and counter-violence among the parties in the region,” said the ambassador.

He urged all parties concerned to take resolute steps to fulfill their mutual rights and obligations under the Road Map, the Arab Peace Initiative, the Madrid terms of reference and relevant Security Council Resolutions, including Resolutions 1850 (2008) and 1860 (2009) and refrain from provocative acts that could prejudge the outcome of the negotiations, deepen mistrust and distrust in the peace process, or run counter to international humanitarian and human rights laws.

“Israel must immediately halt settlement activities, stop house eviction, dismantle all outposts and ensure unhindered humanitarian and reconstruction access to Gaza,” he said.

He also called on the Palestinian parties to hold firm to their long-term national interests, reconcile their differences through dialogue, and proceed with the formation of a national unity Government.

Regarding Lebanon, Ambassador Giang emphasised the necessity for all parties to continue efforts aimed at reconciliation so as to form a new Government that represents the interests of local communities and contributes to the consolidation of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon.

He welcomed efforts of the Lebanese authorities and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to defuse the tension in southern Lebanon.

The Vietnamese diplomat reiterated Vietnam’s support for UNIFIL and the full implementation of Resolution 1701 (2006).

He urged Israel to cease flights over Lebanese territory and withdraw from the northern part of Ghajar village and an adjacent area north of the Blue Line.

(Source: Vietnamplus)