Rio + 20/Outcome document – Statement for the record by the United States/Palestine question – Letter from the United States

Letter dated 31 July 2012 from the Permanent Representative
of the United States of America to the United Nations addressed
to the Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development

On behalf of my Government, I have the honour to request that the attached statements for the record by the United States of America (see annex) be included in their entirety in the report of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

(Signed)  Susan E. Rice

Annex to the letter dated 31 July 2012 from the Permanent Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development

Statements for the record by the United States of America

We interpret the outcome document of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in the light of United States positions on economic, social and cultural rights, including those related to water and food, and on the topic of the right to development, which are stated in chapter 6 of the annual Digest of United States Practice in International Law, available at www.state.gov/s/l/c8183.htm.

/…

In connection with the reference to foreign occupation in paragraph 27 of the outcome document, the United States reaffirms its deep commitment to pursuing a comprehensive and lasting peace based on a two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The United States remains committed to supporting the Palestinian people in practical and effective ways, including in the field of sustainable development. The United States will continue to work with the Palestinian Authority, Israel, and international partners to improve the lives of ordinary people towards a more sustainable future.

/…

____________