Norway on Middle East at UNSC

231
Norway
Norway at the UNSC

New York, 26 August 2022 (TDI): The Deputy Permanent Representative of Norway in the United Nations Security Council, Ambassador Trine Heimerback, gave a statement on the Middle East at the UN Security Council Meeting on August 25.

Ambassador’s Remarks

At the start of her remarks, Ambassador Trine Heimerback said that “I would like to acknowledge and thank the Special Coordinator and the UN for their efforts to establish a ceasefire following the latest hostilities in Gaza.”

She also acknowledged the role of Egypt and Qatar in this regard. The Ambassador also said that “It is now essential that the ceasefire continues to be respected. And economic measures, and the easing of restrictions on access and movement, continue.”

Furthermore, the Ambassador condemned the killings of children along with the injuries that took place in Gaza during the hostilities earlier this month.

Trine Heimerback said that “All parties are obliged to protect civilians and fully respect international humanitarian law- including its principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution.”

“Furthermore, Norway strongly condemns all acts of terror – including the attack on Israeli civilians in Jerusalem on August 14, where 8 people were injured. Everyone –Israelis and Palestinians – deserve to live in security,” she added.

The Ambassador clarified that “the information Israel has provided does not sufficiently justify designating the organizations as ‘terror organizations.’ We will continue our support for Palestinian civil society.”

Moreover, she concluded her statement by saying that “let me repeat our call for increased efforts to prepare for negotiations towards a political settlement.

The two-state solution based on the 1967 lines is the only viable solution to ensure peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.”