Csaba Kőrösi, President of the 77th session of the General Assembly
—-
15 May 2023
(Pre-recorded)
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Friends,
One of the United Nations’ first ever major tasks was to find a just solution to the Middle East conflict.
For 75 years, the unresolved question of Palestine has lingered on the agenda of the General Assembly.
Those who came before us believed they would, within their lifetimes, witness the resolve of the conflict and a return to peace under the olive trees.
And I, as a young diplomat in the region decades ago, never thought that I would find myself leading the General Assembly in 2023, with the same open files on my desk, and with no real prospect of closing them.
In fact, I never would have thought that we could be no closer to a lasting two-state solution today than we were then.
Indeed, we are once again horrified by protracted violence and heightened tensions not seen in years.
They gravely compromise the prospect of realizing our shared aspiration: two peoples with immense potential living in peace and harmony, ending decades of bitter conflict and the suffering of civilians on both sides.
Today, we gather to recognize and reflect upon the pain and the trauma.
Yet, we also come together to honor hope, resolve and spirit.
Like an olive tree in arid soil, the spirit of millions of Palestinians has been one of patience, persistence and resilience.
Today, I reaffirm our commitment to Palestinians’ right to live in dignity, with the full enjoyment of their human rights.
I further affirm the General Assembly’s full respect of Palestinians’ right to self-determination, to national sovereignty and to return.
The UN has been built on the understanding that all people on earth should live free of violence and threats.
“All people” includes Palestinians and Israelis alike.
Let us harness this anniversary to breathe a new life into our quest for a solution: one that can guarantee lasting peace to a region that has already had to endure way too much.
Let us recommit to dialogue and diplomacy.
Let us recommit to good faith, understanding and a vision that goes beyond tomorrow.
Let us finally heal the wound of our collective conscience: the plight of the Palestinians.
I thank you.
