Vietnam calls for restoration of Palestinian authority’s role in Gaza

New York (VNA) – Removing Israel’s blockade and restoring the management role of the Palestinian authority in Gaza would promote a long-term solution to the situation in the strip, Ambassador Pham Hai Anh, Chargé d’Affaires of the Vietnamese mission to the United Nations (UN), has said.

Anh made the suggestion while addressing the UN Security Council’s quarterly open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestine matter on April 29.

The diplomat expressed his deep concern over recent negative developments in the strip, especially deadly clashes and serious humanitarian situation.

Vietnam condemned all forms of violence against civilians and shares concern over the excessive use of violence, Israel’s expansion of settlements and rocket barrage from Gaza towards civilian areas, he noted.

The country called on relevant parties to exercise self-restraint and avoid any acts that cause escalations and tensions, and appeals to the Israeli Government and the Palestinian authority to promptly take actions to prevent the humanitarian situation in Gaza from worsening, Anh said.

He reiterated Vietnam’s strong support for the Palestinian people’s struggle to protect their inalienable rights, mentioning the “two states” as the only solution to the conflict.

The ambassador also called for international efforts to urge and support concerned sides to hold peace talks in order to reach an equal, comprehensive and sustainable solution that meets aspirations of both Israeli and Palestinian people.

In her remarks, Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary General for Political and Peace-building Affairs, urged Hamas to stop inciting violence and firing rockets towards Israel’s territory, and asked Israeli security forces to put an end to the excessive use of violence.

Most of the delegates shared concern over the escalating tensions and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and called on all sides to exercise self-restraint, seriously realise relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, cooperate togather to deal with the problem and soon resume peace talks toward the “two-state” solution.-VNA