Statement by
Shuli Davidovich
17 November 2011
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I would like to express Israel’s disappointment that the Second Committee has chosen, once again, to engage in this unfortunate ritual. Year after year, this Committee wastes its time discussing the politicized and biased resolution before us, instead of using this time to take up the major global challenges that we are entrusted with – issues such as agriculture and food security, desertification and climate change, poverty and development.
These are the issues worthy of this Committee’s attention. These are the issues that so many around the world struggle with every single day. This resolution undermines the Committee’s credibility as an impartial and professional body, and is only part of a wider effort to institutionalize an anti-Israel narrative within the United Nations.
Basic facts are irrelevant for the sponsors of this resolution. Indeed, facts stand in the way of advancing their political agenda. They prefer to invest their time and energy in a resolution filled with falsehoods, instead of spending it on the real work that people around the world expect us to take up in this room. If my colleagues truly cared about sustainable development, they would engage in sincere and constructive dialogue.
The outstanding environmental issues between Israel and the Palestinians can only be resolved through direct negotiations. The road to resolving these issues, like many others, lies between Jerusalem and Ramallah, not New York. The Palestinian issue will most certainly not be resolved here in the Second Committee.
Israel’s hand remains outstretched. We remain willing to share our knowledge and experience with our neighbors. We remain ready to work together to face our common challenges related to climate change, desertification, land degradation, and others, and to meet the growing needs of people in our region. We sincerely hope that the environment can serve as a bridge between our two peoples, rather than as an issue that divides us.
This resolution has not served the interests of the Palestinian people. It has not served the interests of any who seek a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the Middle East. It has no place in any UN forum, particularly this committee. For these reasons, my delegation has called for a vote and will vote against this resolution. We strongly encourage other delegations that care about the peace process, and the professional nature of this Committee, to do the same.
