Right of the Palestinian people to self-determination – Third Cttee debate – Summary record (excerpts)

Third Committee

Summary record of the 25th meeting

Held at Headquarters, New York, on Wednesday, 23 October 2002, at 3 p.m.

Chairman: Mr. Wenaweser  …………………………………………………………… (Liechtenstein)

Contents

Agenda item 105: Promotion and protection of the rights of children (continued)

Agenda item 107: Elimination of racism and racial discrimination (continued)*

(a) Elimination of racism and racial discrimination (continued)*

(b) Comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (continued)*

Agenda item 108: Right of peoples to self-determination (continued)*

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*Items which the Committee has decided to consider together.

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The meeting was called to order at 3.05 p.m.

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Agenda item 108: Right of peoples to self-determination (continued) (A/57/178 and 312)

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Statements in exercise of the right of reply

27. Mr. Tamir (Israel), speaking in exercise of the right of reply in reference to the statement by the representative of Egypt made at the previous meeting, said that since 1979, his country had upheld a peace treaty with its neighbour Egypt, to which it had returned all the territory in the Sinai. However, the statement of Egypt represented a new and virulent accusation against Israel that could be used to justify terrorism rather than encourage a culture of peace. Any delegation which made a distinction between terrorism and so-called resistance supported terrorism and its perpetrators. The State of Israel respected the right of self-determination, but demanded that its de facto existence and its right of self-determination must also be recognized.

28. Ms. Khalil (Egypt), speaking in exercise of the right of reply, said that Egypt had been the first country to attempt to make peace with Israel in order to end a prolonged war. Based on that principle, it was clear that, in order to achieve peace in the region, Israel must take the necessary steps to allow the Palestinians to exercise their right of self-determination and to a free State. The occupation of the territory of another people ran counter to democracy and a culture of peace. Egypt condemned terrorism in all its forms, but Israel must not confuse matters; the right to resistance was a legitimate right and should not be mistaken for terrorism. Unless there was a withdrawal by Israel, the Palestinian people would continue their struggle for independence.

The meeting rose at 4 p.m.

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Corrections will be issued after the end of the session, in a separate corrigendum for each Committee.