14th June 2011, Geneva;The Maldives today renewed its call for the international community to immediately proceed to recognize an independent Palestinian State. Speaking at the UN Human Rights Council, H.E. Ms. Iruthisham Adam, Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, reminded States that the "Palestinian people are no closer today to living in peace, security and prosperity in an independent and sovereign state of Palestine than they were six decades ago".
"The Maldives is particularly disheartened by the deadlock in the peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine and reiterates the necessity of an immediate freeze on all settlement activities in the occupied territories and we condemn the recent use of excessive force against civilian population. The Maldives has always condemned the killings of civilians, deliberate destruction of infrastructure, and the use of disproportionate force and we will continue to do so.
The Maldives believes that the people of Palestine have waited long enough to enjoy their human rights and to determine their own future. It is clear, if we are honest, that the only way to promote and protect the full enjoyment of human rights in Palestine is to establish and recognize a Palestinian State. The Maldives therefore hopes that the UN will recognize, later this year, the establishment of the State of Palestine, living side-by-side and at peace with Israel".
ENDS