STATEMENT BY THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALTA, AMBASSADOR WALTER BALZAN, IN THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL, ON THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Mr. President,

Allow me at the outset to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for the current month and to express my appreciation to you for convening this emergency meeting on an issue which has shocked and saddened the international community.

The sight of the ongoing incidents in the Middle East region cannot but highlight the importance of the resumption of the peace talks which unfortunately have suffered a severe setback at a point in time when all those with good will were full of hope that ultimately the comprehensive and lasting peace which has eluded us for so long could be achievable.

Malta shares the concerns already expressed by the European Union regarding the ongoing incidents and supports President Arafat's request for the creation of an international commission entrusted with the responsibility of objectively determining the root causes and the consequences of these incidents, which we cannot fail to emphatically deplore.

Mr. President,

Malta unreservedly condemns the irresponsible provocations of those elements hostile to the peace process triggering the violent reactions of the last days and resulting in the tragic loss of lives of civilians and innocent victims, including children. May I on behalf of the Government of Malta take this opportunity to express deepest and sincere condolences to the families of those who fell victims of these tragic events. Indeed the shameful use of force perpetrated by those responsible for the maintenance of order is in clear violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention. We concur with the view expressed by the President Chirac that "You do not fight against the emotion of a people with armour". We should not allow these incidents to reverse or undermine the progress achieved so far in the peace process and sincerely augur that all initiatives currently undertaken to put the peace process back on track receive the support and backing of all those who have the achievement of a lasting peace at heart.

The tragic consequences of these unfortunate events should not discourage the international community. It should certainly not discourage the interested parties. These devastating circumstances should strengthen our commitment to the achievement of a comprehensive peace based on the relevant security council resolutions and in respect of international law.

Let me end this brief intervention by appealing on behalf of the Government of Malta for an end to the current violent events and an immediate return to the negotiating table. It is only through constructive dialogue and political will that a lasting, just and comprehensive peace can be attained, a peace that would ensure that both Palestinians and Israelis live peacefully side by side. We should not give up hope. Neither should the parties involved. This is why it is so necessary to ensure that any hostile actions which undermine the achievement of such a noble objective be stopped. We are convinced that the International Community continues to have faith in a negotiated peaceful settlement.

Mr. President,

The stakes may be high but the price for peace is never too high.

Thank you.