Dr. Naseer Homoud Observed International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

IIMSAM Middle East Director & Goodwill Ambassador Dr. Naseer Homoud' message on International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Dr. Naseer Homoud said that solidarity needs action and therefore he urged governments and the international community to take concrete steps towards building peace and stability in Middle East Region. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) November 29, 2010 - "Today, as we observe the International Day of Solidarity with Palestinians, we remember the dispossession and displacement of thousands of Palestinian families as a result of the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. Palestinians have been deprived of their inalienable right to self-determination and a Palestinian State has not yet seen light. The 1967 occupation of the West Bank and Gaza has deepened the suffering and pain of the Palestinians and numerous political efforts and initiatives came to pass over the past decades, to no avail, and the situation in the Palestinian Territories is increasingly troubling" said Dr. Naseer Homoud Goodwill Ambassador and Director of Middle East office for the Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina against Malnutrition (IIMSAM), the Permanent Observer to the United Nations Economic and Social Council while observing the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is a wonderful initiative by United Nations. Also known as Solidarity Day, it is annually observed on November 29. The occasion is observed globally and sympathizes with cause and struggles of Palestinian people. If we look at the history of this eventful day, it started with adoption of resolution on the partition of Palestine by the UN General Assembly on November 29, 1947. Then on December 2, 1977, there was a demand for observance of November 29 as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The final move came on December 1, 2003 when members' states were asked to provide continued support the cause and observe the day.

The Goodwill Ambassador further said "each year, on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, we commit ourselves anew to the goal of finding a solution to the question of Palestine, which lies at the core of the Arab-Israeli conflict. This observance also reminds us of the pressing need to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace throughout the Middle East". He went on to say "while condemning the violence whatever its origin and calling for a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, I express my solidarity with the Palestinian people, whose current situation is certainly bad and the people are the ultimate sufferer. I also call upon the political world to pay sufficient attention to the tragic situation of people particularly children and women who are the main victim of the war and its effects".

Dr. Homoud asserted that building peace and ensuring security, is fundamental to international diplomacy and has been an essential concern to the United Nations discussions over the past six decades. "While the world has avoided a global conflict, many unresolved disputes and conflicts remain around us, challenging the values and aspirations of humanity. The Palestinian issue, which in our view is at the core of Middle East instability undoubtedly, has been one of the key items of concern in contemporary international politics. However, the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions and General Assembly Resolutions on the exercise of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people remains far from realization, and it is a matter of utmost disappointment, to us", said Dr. Homoud while addressing the gathering to mark this Day.

Dr. Homoud urged that people and stakeholders must promote democracy, justice and peace, and positive secularism, with the distinction between religion and state, and respect for every religion. An attitude of positive engagement in society is a constructive response for society as well as for an egalitarian society. "Given our constant adherence to the causes of justice and legality in the world and its support to the different initiatives designed to identify appropriate solutions to international problems, I reassert our principled and constant position in favor of the Palestinian people in their struggle to recover their legitimate rights and build their independent State on their own territory, on the basis of the UN resolutions and reference to the peace process and the Arab Peace Initiative to gather adequate conditions to ensure security and stability to peoples of the region" said Dr. Homoud.

While appealing world community Dr. Homoud said "solidarity needs action and I therefore call on governments and the international community to take concrete steps that will lead to peace and stability in this land. I strongly appeal to all nations and stakeholders to work on the implementation of the U.N. resolutions, international law and the 4th Geneva Convention, so that the dream of a sovereign and viable Palestinian state remains not a dream, but holds a genuine hope of becoming reality. It is my conviction that the restoration of state sovereignty would contribute to stability in the region and the safe coexistence and conflict-free mutually beneficial cooperation of all countries and people".

Dr. Homoud noted that due to ongoing crisis in the region, rates of poverty thus malnutrition and hunger are increasing in alarming proportion and it is a forcing factor for migration and vulnerability to conflict in affected areas. Speaking further on the theme, he contended that hunger and malnutrition related issues should be dealt with well-built and planned intent. He cautioned that effects of this conflict are certainly proving as hurdle in planning for accomplishing MDGs in this conflict zone. "On this International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, let us dare to hope that achievements will be the long awaited moment when peace and prosperity can be enjoyed in full by Palestinians, Israelis and all the peoples of the Middle East", said Dr. Homoud.

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