Oman: Middle East conflict can only be ended by recognising Palestine

Oman has stated that ending the conflict in the Middle East can only be achieved by establishing a Palestinian state and granting it full membership of the United Nations.

The comments were made in a speech by Mohammed bin Ali Al Shehhi, a member of Oman’s permanent delegation to the United Nations in New York, before the United Nations General Assembly during a discussion on the Security Council report.

He said the recognition of Palestine was a strategic necessity and a demand supported by the international community.

Oman expressed its regret at the failure of the Security Council to pass a resolution granting the State of Palestine its legitimate right to membership of the United Nations.

Mr Al Shehhi said the decision contradicted the international consensus to grant the Palestinian people self-determination and hindered efforts to spread justice and peace throughout the world.

Oman called on all members of the Security Council to give the Palestinian issue full attention and to apply fair standards to everyone without exception.

Mr Al Shehhi said the Council should respect international law and United Nations resolutions in a way that ensured the establishment and sustainability of the rules of security, stability and peace in the region and the world.

Oman joined other countries in calling for a review of the working mechanism of the Security Council especially the use of the veto so that it is used in responsible and legal ways that do not conflict with the UN's objectives in defence of international and humanitarian law and do not undermine the credibility of this important international body.

Oman welcomed the Security Council's resolution to support the deal to reach a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and called on all parties to take serious steps towards implementing it without delay.

It urged the international community to implement the resolution and to oblige the Israeli occupying state to heed international demands to stop the brutal aggression against the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories in a way that achieves the two-state solution and establishes an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital in support of peace and stability in the region.

This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here.