Mr. Chairman,
My delegation, having carefully reviewed the Report of the
Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for
Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), expresses once again its
appreciation for the work of the agency during this time of significant
challenges.
The Holy See willingly acknowledges the help that UNRWA offers all
Palestinian refugees, without discrimination or reference to their
religion, as is only just. Nevertheless, we are obliged this year to
draw attention to the growing difficulties faced by Palestinian
Christians who, although they belong to a faith born in that very land,
are sometimes viewed with suspicion by their neighbors. Doubly
discriminated against, it is hardly surprising to learn that this tiny
group -- less than 2% of the local Palestinian population -- is
particularly marginalized.
All Palestinians have the right to fair and fair-minded treatment from
their peers and from the recognized authorities alike. Religious
extremism of any kind, implicated in attacks, abuse and harassment of
Christians in the area around Bethlehem recently, is not to be
tolerated. No matter who is targeted by violence and bigotry, such acts
are a stain on the conscience of peoples. It is thus the hope of my
delegation that solutions will be found by local leaderships which will
address the needs of all the members of local communities who suffer
from violence.
Moreover, of ongoing concern is the security wall which cuts access to
some Palestinians' lands and water sources, as well as to employment,
commerce, education, medical care and freedom of worship. My delegation
freely acknowledges the right of all peoples to live in peace and
security; on the other hand, we believe that the Holy Land is in greater
need of bridges than of walls.
In the hope that the many problems of the region will be resolved by
negotiation and dialogue, my delegation underlines that a lasting
solution will include the question of the Holy City of Jerusalem. In
light of the numerous incidents of violence and the challenge to free
movement posed by the security wall, the Holy See renews its support for
"internationally guaranteed provisions to ensure the freedom of religion
and of conscience of its inhabitants, as well as permanent, free and
unhindered access to the holy places by the faithful of all religions
and nationalities" (A/RES/ES-10/2).
Jerusalem is the acknowledged home of the three Abrahamic faiths, and
whoever has custody of the Holy City has a particular responsibility for
it before the international community. Borrowing the recent words of
Pope Benedict XVI, we hope that Jerusalem will one day be "a home of
harmony and peace" for all believers.
The time is long overdue for fraternal, open dialogue in order to bring
about the birth of two states, side by side, mutually respecting each
other's right to exist and prosper. There have already been far too many
innocent victims, be they Israeli or Palestinian, Jews, Christians and
Moslems alike. Only with a just and lasting peace -- not imposed, but
secured through negotiation -- will the legitimate aspirations of all
the peoples of the Holy Land be fulfilled.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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