Ambassador Warren W. Tichenor, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, made the following statement to the press on July 6, 2006 at the conclusion of the special session of the of the Human Rights Council to address the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories

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The United States is disappointed at the conclusion of the first Human Rights Council meeting and now special session - as an historic opportunity has been lost.

An historic opportunity to address the human rights situation in a fair, equitable, and balanced way has instead resulted in an unbalanced effort to single out and focus on Israel alone.

Human rights violations throughout the Middle East remain a serious concern of my government.  As to the current situation, my government continues to call on all parties to exercise restraint, to protect all citizens, to not adversely affect the Palestinian humanitarian situation.  It is our profound hope that both sides will focus attention on the way forward… to security… and to a lasting peace, as called for in the Roadmap. 

This begins with the return of the Israeli soldier.  Diplomacy and negotiation - not violence - are the necessary ingredients for a lasting peace… as called for in the vision put forth by President Bush of two states - Palestine and Israel - living side by side in peace and security.

Senior Administration officials in our government remain in close contact with the Israeli government, President Abbas, and other governments in the region - particularly Egypt - which has been particularly helpful in working to resolve this situation.

With respect to the Human Rights Council, we again reiterate our call on the Council to execute its responsibility ahead to promote and protect human rights in an even-handed, fair and equitable manner.

Thank you.