EOP: Palestinians' Right to Self-Determination

The following is the explanation of position delivered by a member of the delegation at the Iranian UN Mission:

Explanation of Position by

Nasser Assadi Nazari

Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Agenda Items 34 and 35 of the United Nations General Assembly 79

3 December 2024, New York

In the Name of God, the Compassionate the Merciful

 

Mr. President,

It is my delegation's pleasure to acknowledge the consideration of the draft resolutions under agenda items 34 and 35, which provide strong support for resolving the issue of occupation in our region, focusing on the realization of the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.

Aside from the failure to hold the occupying regime accountable for its crimes against the Palestinian people, it is tragic that despite numerous and consistent demands by the international community over the past decades, not only has no progress been made toward ending the Israeli occupation of Palestine and Syrian Golan, but also the Israeli savage aggression against civilians in the region has even dramatically intensified.

Mr. President,

The Question of Palestine is the longest-standing crisis of our time. It has remained the core issue in West Asia which has reverberated, directly and indirectly, affecting other issues in the region. Having suffered more than 75 years of occupation, violence, and aggression aimed towards Palestinians and other nations in the region, it is high time that practical measures be taken to bring lasting stability to the region.

The Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes that peace and security in the region will not be achieved unless the occupation is ended and the Palestinians’ rights, are recognized and implemented.

Accordingly, my delegation deems it necessary to reiterate the principled position of the Islamic Republic of Iran concerning the settlement of the Palestinian issue which has been formulated within the framework of a four-point initiative submitted to the United Nations and its honorable Secretary-General on 1 October 2019; in which, my country has proposed that all the people of Palestine—both those who live in their motherland as well as those who have been forced into its diaspora—determine their future in a referendum.

We are confident that through this mechanism, a lasting peace can be achieved, with Muslims, Christians, and Jews living alongside one another in one land in tranquility and peace, and away from racism and apartheid.

Regarding the occupied Syrian Golan as an integral part of the Syrian Arab Republic, the Islamic Republic of Iran strongly condemns the Israeli attacks and restrictions against Syria that resulted in the death and injury of Syrian citizens as well as the demolition of their infrastructure. Moreover, according to the relevant Security Council resolution, Israel's decision to impose its laws, jurisdiction, and administration on the occupied Syrian Golan Heights is null and void and of no international legal consequence.

Mr. President,

Having expressed our principled position as well as the reservation on any content of the draft resolutions that refer explicitly or implicitly to the recognition of Israel, my delegation will vote in favour of the draft resolutions submitted under agenda items 34 and 35 and commend the strong support of the international community for the cause of Palestine.

While I have the floor, I would also like to briefly react to the disinformation made by the representative of Israel earlier today in this assembly, which, as usual, made unfounded allegations against the United Nations and a number of its Members, including my country.

The Israel, which is the last apartheid regime and the only one in the world that openly practices and has legalized racism, has the most extended history of opportunistic policies aimed towards misleading others and diverting attention from its inhuman and savage actions against innocent Palestinians and other nations in our region.

It is very ironic that the regime infamous for apartheid policies and war crimes, which are well-documented by various United Nations bodies and agencies, can allow itself to continue making false accusations against others and complain about the condemnation of its actions.

There is no way for this rogue regime to evade the legal responsibilities and consequences of the violence their occupational and discriminatory policies have incited in the region. An entity that started illegal aggression and occupation and also continues its occupational and expansionist policies, war crimes, genocide, as well as serious violations of international law and humanitarian law, should take responsibility for its actions rather than misrepresenting itself as the oppressed party.

I thank you, Mr. President.