Vietnam strongly urges an immediate end to the current blockade in Palestinian Territory and for continued efforts in facilitating negotiations between all parties concerned, in order to resume Israeli – Palestinian negotiations as soon as possible.

"It is high time that the international community, including the Security Council, should intensify efforts to address the afore-mentioned crisis, a just, lasting and comprehensive peaceful solution of which is long overdue," said Ambassador Le Hoai Trung, Vietnam's Permanent Representative to the UN, at the Open Debate of the UN Security Council on "the Situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine", in New York on Oct. 15.

The ambassador noted that the Middle East is facing growing and unprecedented complex developments over the last couple of years, while change has yet to come regarding the question of Palestine that has always been at the core of the situation in the Middle East .

In this context, Vietnam reiterates its principled support for the courageous struggle and rights for the Palestinian people over more than 60 years, in particular the right to self-determination, said Trung.

He added that any solution must take into account legitimate security concerns of parties concerned, be based on relevant UN resolutions, the Madrid terms of reference, the Arab Peace Initiative and the Quartet Roadmap, of which the principle of land for peace and the right of all states in the region to live in peace and security are the critical element.

"The solution to pressing issues in the Middle East lies also in greater efforts aimed at creating a Middle East environment of mutual trust, peace, and coexistence. An important step to that end is the upcoming conference on the establishment of a Middle East Zone free of nuclear weapons and other types of weapons of mass destruction. We are convinced, however, that visible progress towards a lasting and just solution to the Palestinian – Israeli conflict would be also a strong reassurance to every government and every people about the genuine feasibility of peace and prosperity for all in the region and, thus, peace for the world as a whole," he said in conclusion.-VNA