Right of the Palestinian people to self-determination – GA Fourth Cttee debate – Press Release (excerpts)

Sixty-fifth General Assembly

Fourth Committee

6^th Meeting (PM)

SELF-DETERMINATION IMPORTANT, BUT FOR SOME VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES, STATUS QUO

OPTION DESERVES RESPECT, FOURTH COMMITTEE HEARS IN DECOLONIZATION DEBATE

Speakers Laud Progress towards Self-Determination in Pacific,

But Voice Frustration at Remaining Number of Non-Self-Governing Territories

Background

The Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) met this afternoon to convene a general debate on all decolonization issues.  It was also expected to hear additional petitioners on the question of Western Sahara.

/…

WILFRIED I. EMVULA (Namibia), speaking on behalf of Southern African Development Community (SADC), …

/… .

The Community was deeply concerned about the prolonged crisis in the Middle East, which continued to cause untold suffering to the people of Palestine, he said.  Encouraging the resumption of direct talks between the parties, he expressed hope that a durable solution would be sought without further delay, on the basis of the relevant United Nations resolutions.  SADC would work relentlessly to ensure the attainment of independence and self-determination for the people of both Western Sahara and Palestine.  He pledged not to let them down, because their victory over colonialism was a victory for humanity.

/…

ABDULLAH HUSSAIN HAROON ( Pakistan) …

/…

… Political will from the General Assembly and Security Council should be shown in greater earnest.  Concerted efforts should be made for uniform and non-selective implementation of the Security Council resolutions and the recommendations contained therein.  Selective implementation should be avoided as it eroded confidence in the system.  In the Middle East, the continued denial of the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people ignited conflict and threatened peace.  …

/…

* *** *

For information media • not an official record