India has warned that 'all-too-frequent' instances of violence are adding to people's frustration and providing fuel to already combustible situation in the region.
UNITED NATIONS: Contending that the conflict in Middle East is essentially political in nature and cannot be resolved by force, India has warned that 'all-too-frequent' instances of violence are adding to people's frustration and providing fuel to already combustible situation in the region.
Expressing solidarity with the Palestinians, Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed criticised Israel for continued expansion of settlements in the occupied territories and 'relentless' construction of separation wall, stressing that it is creating new facts on the ground and fresh grievances in an old conflict.
Intervening in the debate on the question of Palestine in the 192-member UN General Assembly here yesterday, he welcomed the understanding reached between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Premier Ehud Olmert at US-sponsored meet in Annapolis to begin a dialogue and hoped that it would lead to an early and peaceful resolution of all issues.
India, he said, has viewed with 'alarm' the continued vicious cycle of attacks, reprisal and counter-attacks, the worsening humanitarian and security situation in Gaza as well as the continued violence inflicted on innocent civilians.
Besides, unresolved issues of last year's summer war in Lebanon, and long-pending question of the occupation of Syrian Golan add to a sense of frustration and desperation, he said, warning that all these issues have potential of 'exacting an immediate and a long-term impact' on people, potentially contributing more fuel to an already combustible situation.
"It is for this reason that India has consistently urged all concerned to eschew violence and exercise restraint at each of the all-too-frequent instances when violence has broken out, exacerbating sufferings and misery in the region."
The minister emphasised the need for simultaneous progress on remaining issues on Israel-Lebanon and Israel-Syria tracks for a comprehensive settlement of the problems facing the region.
"India has consistently called upon all parties in the region to fully cooperate with the efforts of the international community in this regard."
"We have supported resumption of direct negotiations between leaders of Palestine and Israel and establishment through peaceful negotiations of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine living side by side and in the shadow of peace with State of Israel," Ahamed said, asserting that the conflict in Middle East is essentially political in nature and cannot be resolved by force.
Given the complexity of the situation, the minister emphasised, 'unprecedented determination, goodwill and capacity to offer and accept compromises and concessions are needed on all sides.'
It is collective duty of the international community to help in creating a favourable environment within which the principals can take forward the negotiations, he told the delegates, pledging that India is prepared to play a supportive role in the collective endeavour to achieve an 'just and comprehensive peace' in the Middle East.
Expressing concern over border restrictions, economic sanctions and a restrictive regime imposed by Israel on the Palestinian territories, Ahamed said they have brought the Palestinian economy on verge of collapse.
For India, the minister said, commitment to the Palestinian cause has been a bedrock of its foreign policy since even before its independence.
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