Statement by Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba, at the Meeting of The Ministerial Committee on Palestine. Eighteenth Summit of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. Baku, October 23, 2019
Your Excellency Mr. Elmar Mammadyarov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan; Esteemed Ministers and Heads of Delegations; Delegates and guests:
The Palestinian cause has been a top priority issue for the Non-Aligned Movement, which should redouble its efforts in support of the realization of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, which have been violated throughout more than seven decades of occupation.
The illegal actions and unilateral decisions of Israel and the United States exacerbate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and delay its resolution.
We condemn the new escalation of violence and Israel’s use of disproportionate and indiscriminate force against Palestinian civilians in the occupied territories, including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, in open violation of the UN Charter and International Humanitarian Law. We reject the threats of annexation of the occupied West Bank.
We reiterate our deep concern over Israel’s decision not to renew the mandate of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron.
We reject the US unilateral decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and establish its diplomatic representation in that city, in full disrespect for its historical status.
We likewise denounce the so-called “deal of the century” drawn up by the current US administration, which ignores the two-State solution that enjoyed the historical support of the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and other international actors.
We regret the US decision to withdraw its financial support from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, thus worsening the already existing precarious humanitarian situation and intensifying tensions even further in that region.
Esteemed Ministers, heads of delegations, delegates and guests:
We once again call on the Security Council to assume its responsibility under the UN Charter in the maintenance of international peace and security and call for an immediate halt to the occupation of Palestinian territories, the implementation of aggressive policies and colonizing practices and demand compliance with the resolutions on the situation in the Middle East approved by that body, including those related to the Palestinian question, particularly Resolution 2334 of 2016.
We reaffirm our unswerving solidarity with the government and people of Palestine. We support the incorporation of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations. We will continue to support a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the implementation of the two-State solution, which will enable the Palestinian people to exercise their right to free determination and have an independent and sovereign State based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Esteemed Ministers, Head of Delegations, delegates and guests:
For as long as the current situation facing the Palestinian people prevails, the Non-Aligned Movement will always make it its duty to defend the legitimate rights of that people, condemn the illegal occupation of its territories and search for an immediate solution in accordance with International Law, the UN Charter and the relevant resolutions of that body. It is high time to pay the historical debt with that heroic people.
Thank you very much