Prince Saud's address at UN Security Council meeting

New York, September 26, SPA--Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Minister of
Foreign Affairs and head of the delegation of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
to the ministerial meeting of the UN Security Council for discussion
of Israeli settlement stressed that Israeli settlements that change
the geographical and demographic reality of the occupied Palestinian
territories are clearly contrary to the principles of international
law, relevant United Nations resolutions, obligations of the Road Map
and Annapolis process.

In his address at the UN Security Council meeting held in New York
today upon the request of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on behalf of
the Arab Group at the United Nations for the discussion of the issue
of continued Israeli settlement in the Palestinian territories,
Prince Saud Said, "I thank the Security Council for giving us this
opportunity to meet and discuss a serious and urgent topic that
threatens the credibility of the peace process in the Middle East and
the principle of general application of the international law."
Prince Saud added, "All members of the Arab League have requested
holding this urgent meeting of the Security Council to discuss the
problem of the continued Israeli settlement activities in occupied
Palestinian territory, a problem that threatens to undermine the
whole peace process. We hope that this meeting strengthens the goals
of the United Nations with regard to respect for the principles of
international law and helps in saving the peace process and
Palestinian-Israeli negotiations from failure."
Prince Saud's address at UN Security Council meeting 2 New York

The Minister of Foreign Affairs said," Arab - Israeli conflict
continues to dominate and prevail over all issues of the Middle East.
There is no regional conflict more influential on the world peace
than this one. The problem is exacerbated by the absence of good
intentions of the Israeli government which instead of seriously
searching for peace, it continues to acquire more Palestinian land,
as well as the daily humiliation of the Palestinian people and
building more illegal settlements to create new facts on the ground".

The Prince added, "The Israeli settlements that change the
geographical and demographic situation of the occupied Palestinian
territories, clearly contradict the principles of international law,
relevant United Nations resolutions, the obligations of the Road Map
and Annapolis process. Israeli settlements surround most cities of
the West Bank and take nearly half of its water resources. In East
Jerusalem, excavations and construction are continuing unabated
including what is happening in Al-Magharibah Gate."
He said, "In short, Israeli settlements make it virtually impossible
to envision the establishment of a viable Palestinian state in the
future and make it extremely difficult for any Palestinian government
to act effectively or to convince the Palestinians of the possibility
of achieving peace. It is immoral to impose sanctions on the people
suffering under the occupation, while the occupation authorities
continue settlement activities secure of accountability.''

Prince Saud said, "We are not asking for anything that was not
promised by the Israelis themselves, including at Annapolis. As these
illegal Israeli practices empty negotiations of their contents and
make them in vain, at the minimum, Israel must halt all settlement
activities including the granting of building permits."
He pointed out that all Arab countries, including the Palestinian
Authority submitted a peace initiative to end the conflict and
achieve comprehensive peace that ensures security, recognition and
normal relations for all countries in the region.
These are very serious commitments by all Arab countries that should
not be ignored. They reflect their strategic choice based on
peace, he noted.
Prince Saud added, "Peace is the only way to achieve security for
Israel. But we doubt the Israeli intentions when Israel refrains from
submitting any serious peace initiatives, continues to dilute the
negotiations and relies on unilateral measures, which certainly will
not achieve peace. It is time for Israel to realize that it can not
continue to exempt itself from compliance with the rules of
international conduct based on the international law."

The Minister of Foreign Affairs said, "What we request here is very
simple and important at the same time. Most countries meeting here,
including the five permanent members of the Security Council, have
issued individual statements against the continuing Israeli
settlement activities. What we need is to take a collective position
clearly reflects this existing consensus."
The Prince added, "Time is running out. The moment of working hard
has come. The stalemate of the peace process increases the
attractiveness of extremist attitudes. The feelings of despair and
frustration have reached an extremely serious extent. We must deal
with the growing impression in the Arab and Muslim world that the
world community and its bodies lack seriousness and credibility".
Prince Saud said," In this meeting we have not asked for any action
such as a resolution or statement. However, we request that this
meeting remains open until an appropriate result is achieved during
the remainder of this U.N. session; otherwise we will return to this
Council and demand that it assume its full responsibilities in this
regard."