Statement by
Ambassador Warren W. Tichenor
Permanent Representative of the United States
to the United Nations

Special Session
Human Rights Council
July 5, 2006

As Delivered

Mr. President, the United States regrets that we must be here today for a special session to address the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

I say regret, because my government does not believe that a special session should focus only on one aspect of this situation, precipitated by the kidnapping of a young Israeli soldier -- which was indefensible -- while ignoring the role of Hamas in the kidnapping, and the failure of the Palestinian Authority government to denounce terror.  Further, this session fails to take into account the continued role of Syria in harboring and supporting rejectionists. 

As Secretary Rice has noted, “It is extremely important that every party act responsibly so that the possibility of peace will be preserved.”  My government continues to call on Israel to exercise restraint at this very difficult time, because restraint is the only way to ensure that hope for a future peace process can survive intact.  The Government of Israel has indeed taken steps to spare lives and harm in its recent operations. We are working with the Government of Israel and the donor community on the ground to help address the humanitarian situation in Gaza.  And we continue to support President Mahmoud Abbas, who was elected on and remains committed to a platform of peace.  It is our profound hope that both sides will focus attention on the way forward. To security. To a lasting peace as called for in the Roadmap.  This begins with the return of the Israeli soldier. 

Mr. President, there is a great deal more to this conflict than just concern about “Israeli human rights violations in occupied Palestine,” the reason given for this session.    

Beyond the immediate crisis, Hamas cannot claim to govern responsibly while simultaneously calling for the destruction of Israel, sending in militants to carry out terrorist attacks, and firing Qassam rockets into Israel from Gaza.  If the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority indeed has any interest in governing responsibly, it must renounce violence, recognize Israel’s right to exist and accept all previous agreements between Israel and the Palestinians.

The United States calls on the Human Rights Council to exercise its responsibility to promote and protect human rights in an even-handed, fair and equitable way.  Continued human rights violations throughout the Middle East remain a serious concern of my government.  Diplomacy and negotiation, not violence, are the necessary ingredients for achieving a real and lasting peace between Palestinians and Israelis.  Success in this endeavor will require bold leadership on the part of both peoples, as well as active support from the broader international community.

Each action of this Council should be weighed in the interest of short-term calm, and whether the longer-term vision of two accountable, democratic states living side by side in peace is best served.  With this in mind, the United States would ask all delegations to consider how your countries can make a constructive contribution towards peace. 

Thank you, Mr. President.