“The only solution for peace and security is the cessation of hostilities. By escalating conflicts, more innocent lives are lost. Let’s work together for peaceful solutions”. This was the clear and unequivocal message of the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade and the rotating President of the United Nations Security Council, Ian Borg, while addressing a debate on the situation in the Middle East, organised by Malta, on Thursday.
The meeting, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, included the participation of the members of the Security Council, along with speakers for Palestine and Israel and 45 other United Nations member countries. In his statement during the Middle East open debate, the Maltese Foreign Affairs Minister stated that it is worrying and unacceptable that the decisions of the United Nations Security Council for a ceasefire in Gaza have been disregarded and emphasised that the decisions of the Council must be respected, as outlined in the United Nations Charter.
Minister Borg also called on Hamas to immediately release Israeli hostages without any conditions. At the same time, more than 33,000 Palestinians are reported to have died in recent months, with many others suffering unknown fates. This tragic loss of life must be stopped. He also emphasised that every obstacle to the provision of humanitarian aid goes against international law.
“The effect of this conflict is having devastating repercussions on the region, and there is a need to de-escalate tensions. The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has reiterated how neither the region nor the world can afford a war,” stated Minister Borg. Malta has consistently persisted in its position in favour of a two-state solution that meets the aspirations of both sides, with Jerusalem as the capital of two states living side-by-side in peace and security.
In the context of this debate, in his role as President of the United Nations Security Council, Minister Borg held talks with the Iranian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hossein Amir Abdollayan. Malta made it clear, in its position, that the recent attacks carried out by this country are unacceptable and there should be no further escalation of this conflict. Minister Borg also held discussions with Dennis Francis, President of the United Nations General Assembly.
On the same day, the Security Council voted on a resolution requesting full United Nations membership for Palestine. The resolution was approved by the majority of the Council’s 15 members, including Malta, but was defeated through a veto by the United States.
Photos (MFET)
