Israel’s settlements defy int’l law, Azerbaijan tells UNSC
Azerbaijan’s ambassador to the United Nations has strongly condemned Israel’s illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, MIGnews.com website reported.
Addressing a UN Security Council session focusing on the Middle East situation, Agshin Mehdiyev said the UNSC should respond adequately to such blatant violations of international humanitarian law.
"The most troubling is the fact that besides the negative impact [of such activities] on the rights, freedoms and everyday lives of the Palestinians, the settlements are seriously harming the peace process. More specifically, they threaten the implementation of the decision on establishing two states and the emergence of a viable Palestinian state," Mehdiyev said.
The ambassador reminded that the article of the Geneva convention which forbids an occupying country to resettle its population to the invaded territories remains in force.
Russian Permanent Representative at the UN Vitali Churkin said such activities "are illegal and seriously undermine international efforts aimed at settling this conflict on a two-state basis". He also expressed concern over escalation of violence against the Palestinians in the West Bank by aggressive settlers who enjoy "virtually absolute impunity".
Azerbaijan was elected a non-permanent member of the UNSC for 2012-2013 during the elections held last October.
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