Vietnam’s representative to the United Nations have affirmed to continue contributions to the collective efforts of the United Nations, regional countries and the international community for a two-State solution and a comprehensive peace in the Middle East.

Addressing the UN Security Council’s session on the Middle East in New York on Dec. 17, Ambassador Bui The Giang, Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, expressed concerns about the worsening situation on the ground as 2009 is nearing its close.

He noted that the parties concerned have not resumed peaceful negotiation and obtained an agreement on a durable ceasefire, and the implementation of the UNSC Resolutions 1850 (2008) and 1860 (2009) has not made progresses.

He attributed the current impasse to Israel ’s defiant pursuit of unilateral policies and actions against the Occupied Palestinian Territory , including its continued unacceptable practices related to the Separation Wall, house demolitions and expulsion of Palestinian inhabitants, and military incursions into the West Bank .

For a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to be achieved, the Ambassador called on all the parties concerned to stop violence, refrain from any provocative acts, and fully abide by their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights laws, the Road Map, the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant Security Council resolutions.

He urged Israel to open all border crossings, release all Palestinian prisoners from Israeli detention centers, and take further concrete steps towards the complete and permanent cessation of all illegal settlement activities.

He also asked the Palestinian parties to engage substantively in the national reconciliation and unity process aimed at consolidating political unity and stability, forming a national unity Government, and preparing for future statehood.

Turning to Lebanon , Ambassador Giang urged the parties in Lebanon to jointly make further contributions to the Lebanese Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the national course of peace consolidation, socio-economic reconstruction and normalisation of external relations.

He demanded Israel immediately and unconditionally cease all violations of Lebanese independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He reiterated support for the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) amf full implementation of Resolution 1701 (2006)

The same day, addressing the UNSC’s consultative session on the Development Fund for Iraq (DFI) and the International Advisory and Monitoring Board (IAMB), Ambassador Giang commended their roles in implementing their assigned mandates and particularly in helping the Government of Iraq ensure that Iraq ’s resources are used transparently and accountably for the benefit of its people.

He stressed the continued need to address the recommendations by IAMB and other relevant audit reports, and raised support to the enhanced ownership of Iraq in the exercise of DFI’s activities and functions.

He also praised the Iraqi Government’s efforts in coordinating with the IAMB and relevant partners to ensure a plan on transition of DFI and IAMB to other successor mechanisms during 2010 to be carried out timely and efficiently./.