Palestinian statehood dominates debate on Middle East

 Ma'an News :  NITED NATIONS (Reuters) -- The bulk of a United Nations Security Council discussion on Monday focused on the question of Palestinian statehood, despite being entitled the "Situation in the Middle East."

The Palestinian Authority submitted an application for statehood to the UN last month during the opening of the General Assembly.

"We believe it is not an understatement to say the Palestinian people, the peoples of the region and nearly the entire international community are joined in appeal to the Council at this moment to do justice by Palestine and uphold its role towards the attainment of a just, comprehensive and lasting solution that will finally make piece and security a reality between Palestine and Israel and throughout the Middle East," Palestinian representative Riyad Mansour told the Council.

"For nearly two decades, the negotiations undertaken by the Palestinian leadership in a spirit of historic compromise and good faith have been obstructed, undermined and stalled as a direct result of Israeli intransigence, its egregious violation of international law and human rights, and it's refusal to commit to the most basic principals and parameters essential for the achievement of a just and lasting peace," added Mansour, who cited the Israeli settlement program as the primary sticking point to negotiations.

The Israeli ambassador to the UN, Ron Prosor, reminded the Security Council that the topic was the Middle East as whole and not just the Israeli-Palestinian question.

"I don't claim that the Council does not deal with the situation of specific countries in the Middle East -- it does. However, I think it's time to start connecting the dots so that we can face the bigger picture. For generations, the Arab world has failed miserably to address the needs of it's own people," Prosor said.

"With a world in flames, Arab leaders continue to blame Israel and the West for all their problems. For years, it's been the only explanation that they've been able to offer to their own people," he added.

Prosor continued the Israeli demand of being recognized by Palestinians and other Muslim countries as an independent state.

"Israel wants peace with future Palestinian state, in word and in deed. My government has demonstrated time and again that we seek two states for two people living side by side in peace. And I repeat, two states for two people. You don't hear that from the Palestinians or any Arab leaders. If you hear the phrase 'two states for two people' please phone me, even on a 911 number, day and night!" Prosor said.

For his part, Prosor focused on the "right of return" for Palestinian refugees as the biggest issue in peace negotiations, not that of Israeli settlements on occupied territory. The ambassador finished by applauding the movements of the Arab Spring, but also warned that even a Israeli-Palestinian peace settlement would not be a panacea for the region.

"Make no mistake, it is important for Israelis and the Palestinians to resolve are long-standing conflict. It is important on it's own merits, so that Israelis and Palestinians alike can live peaceful, secure and prosperous lives, but it will not produce a sudden outbreak of stability, harmony and democratization from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean Sea. And seriously addressing the underlying problems of the Middle East will be essential for advancing Israeli-Palestinian peace," he finished.

The two sides are expected to return to the negotiating table on October 26th, under the aegis of the Middle East Quartet of the UN, European Union, US and Russia.

There was no action taken on the decision to recognize a Palestinian state in the Security Council, where the US is expected to veto any motion.

Israel has occupied the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza Strip since 1967.