Palestinian crisis “core and central” issue for Arabs, Muslims, Kuwait says

– Kuwait reiterated that the Palestinian crisis remains the “core and central” issue to Arab and Islamic nations alike as it expressed hope for a political settlement in Syria and optimism over the formation of a transitional government in Libya.

“Tension and instability will continue to prevail in our region unless the Palestinian people achieve all their full legitimate political rights and Israel, the occupying power, stops its breaches of international humanitarian law,” His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s Representative, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, told a United Nations General Assembly session.

Israel’s practices extend to “building illegal settlements, confiscating (Palestinian) land and closing areas alongside the ongoing enforcement of a siege on Gaza and the desecration of the sanctity of holy sites.” The prime minister underlined the importance of re-launching Middle East peace negotiations within a specific timeframe in accordance with the peace process, international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

This will end Israeli occupation and usher in the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital along the pre-June 4, 1967 borders, alongside the return of refugees, he said.

Separately, he commended the efforts of the United Nations Palestinian relief agency, UNRWA, for its historic role in providing urgent assistance to millions of Palestinians.

In relation to the Syrian crisis, the prime minister blamed the length of the conflict, which has entered its 11th year, on the lack of international commitment and foreign intervention.

He reiterated Kuwait’s firm opposition to a military solution to the crisis, urging the importance of working to reach a political settlement in accordance with Security Council resolutions in a manner that achieves the aspirations of the Syrian people.

On Libya, the prime minister described the election of a president and a prime minister, earlier this year, as a “bright sign.” The breakthrough illustrated the UN-led international community’s ability to enact change on the “bumpy road to peace,” he said.

On this, he renewed Kuwait’s call for Libyan sides uphold the country’s interests, refrain from violence and ensure general elections are held, as scheduled, on December 24, expressing optimism these steps are met with measures that ensure security and stability alongside the people’s aspirations.

In regards to Afghanistan, he called on the Taliban and all sides in the country to exercise the “utmost restraint” to prevent bloodshed, ensure the protection of civilians and their rights, abide by international obligations and laws and to preserve the security and stability of the country.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

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