76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
Joint stake-out by the EU members of the Security Council France and Ireland, joined by the former EU member of the Council Estonia and Council Members Albania and Norway on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question
Delivered by Mr Martin Gallagher, the Political Coordinator of the Permanent Mission of Ireland
April 19, New York
I deliver this statement on behalf of the current and former European Union Members of the Security Council France, Estonia and Ireland joined today by Council members Albania and Norway.
We are following with deep concern the escalating tensions, including in East Jerusalem where recent clashes took place at the Holy Sites.
We echo the Secretary-General’s call for calm and de-escalation. Violence needs to stop immediately. Further civilian casualties must be prevented as a priority. The status quo of the holy sites must be fully respected. We stress the importance of Jordan’s specific role in that regard.
We support all efforts to de-escalate and reiterate the call on all sides to exercise maximum restraint and to engage in de-escalatory efforts.
We condemn all acts of terrorism and the firing of rockets from Gaza into Southern Israel.
The deteriorating security situation highlights the need to restore a political horizon for a credible peace process.