28^th Special session of the UN Human Rights Council

Intervention by Permanent Representative of Ukraine

Ambassador Yurii Klymenko

(18 May 2018)

Mr. President,

Ukraine is seriously concerned at the news on recent events in the Gaza Strip and in the West Bank. We believe that immediate measures should be taken to de-escalate the situation. This is the primary task. Security of people living on both sides should be the top priority for all. We are convinced that this Council should do more to contribute in a balanced and constructive way to progress on this track.

Ukraine remains committed to the goal of achieving comprehensive, just and lasting settlement.

The international community should work together, within all relevant settings, in order to prevent violence and to encourage the parties to resume the Middle East peace process immediately.

Over the years, Ukraine has adhered to the consistent position on the issue of Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

We support the Middle East peace process and stand for peaceful coexistence of two independent States – Israel and Palestine.

We also emphasize the need for direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.

We reiterate that the settlement of the conflict can be achieved only through peaceful means.

It is our strong belief that Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement lays within the framework of the unconditional fulfillment by the parties of the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and on the basis of the Madrid principles and the Arab Peace Initiative.

Thank you.