Page 7 - Diplomatic Voice Vol 4

FORUM FORUM Muslim world must be mindful and Malaysia, despite being geographi- Malaysians and like-minded citizens of cautious of the Zionist regime’s cally apart from the Middle East the world, are fully behind you in systematic judaization policies of region, has always placed Palestine support and solidarity in your strug- Baitulmaqdis/al-Quds (Jerusalem) close to our hearts. As the interna- gles for your own country that is which houses the al-Quds al-Sharif tional community resumes its efforts sovereign and independent. We are and its holy sites, including the al- towards rebuilding Gaza, Malaysia confident that the people of Palestine, Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest hopes that the Palestinian people regardless of their political affiliations mosque and first kiblah for Muslims. would remain steadfast, persevere knows what their ultimate goal is and The recent Israeli intrusion of the and united towards nation building. will do whatever it takes to change the sacred mosque has clearly illustrated For this, I wish to reiterate the Govern- status quo. On this, the international the Zionist regime’s agenda to alter ment of Malaysia’s support to the community can only do so much to the traditional arab-islamic character Palestinian unity government which assist the people of Palestine but only and demographic structure of Baitul was established on 2 June 2014 and a united Palestine will pave the way to Maqdis, including east Jerusalem, the commends the leadership of President end all the sufferings of the Palestinian future capital of the state of Palestine. Mahmoud Abbas as well as all Pales- people Its desecration by Israeli forceful tinian factions for taking this brave incursions and attempts to divide it action. Indeed, it requires great Ladies and gentlemen, through invalid Israeli laws constitute a amount of courage, willpower and serious insult not just to the Pales- wisdom to put the aspirations of the I also wish to state that Malaysia tinians but also to the Muslim ummah people of Palestine first, before them- believes that a just, comprehensive and believers across the globe. selves and their own political gain. and lasting peace in the region is Moreover, this is a milestone on the achievable through moderation and Hence, if the United Nations and the path to an independent and sovereign peaceful means. Hence, we urge both international community are really statehood for the courageous people Palestine and Israel to return to the serious and committed in protecting of Palestine. negotiating table for direct peace talks the sanctity of human lives and as soon as possible. As I have combating terrorism in all its various Consciously, we are aware that this mentioned before, the Palestinian- forms, then, we must work together to internal solidarity and unity amongst Israeli conflict is by far, the longest and end Israel’s illegal occupation of the people of Palestine will not end the costliest in our time. And yet, after all Palestinian territories and hostilities struggle. We are also aware that this is these years which saw countless against the people of Palestine. To easier said than done but I say that a peace building and peace keeping many, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict united and strong Palestine is definite- efforts by the international community was perceived as the root cause or ly the only way forward for the people that costs billion of dollars, durable mother of all conflicts affecting the of Palestine in facing the more power- peace seems like utopia and impossi- middle east region these days. ful colonialist Israel. Palestinians must ble. seize this moment when some of I believe all of you here would agree Israel’s long-time allies and friends Therefore, it is fundamental for both with me that the Palestinian-Israeli have re-evaluated their conscience. Palestine and Israel to engage war, the longest ongoing conflict in The people of Palestine must walk constructively to negotiate for peace. modern history thus far, is also the hand-in-hand and stand side-by-side The international community cannot costliest, particularly in terms of lives in solidarity and unity as one people go on pumping in money to rebuild lost. Thousands of Palestinian lives with a common purpose. Israel on its what has been destroyed by Israel. have either perished or severely part must also recognise the changing These are short-term solutions and wounded, while many more are tides and work towards peace with the there are already signs of fatigue displaced and forced to seek refuge in Palestinians. It cannot ignore the shown by some donor countries. foreign lands. Furthermore, the Pales- changing sentiments of the interna- However, in order for the peace talks tinian-Israeli conflict has not only tional community if indeed it is sincere to culminate in meaningful and dura- threatened the middle east’s security in its profession of finding peace with ble agreements that would bring and stability, but more importantly, it Palestine. lasting peace in the Middle East with has denied the people of the blessed the realisation of the two state so- region from realising its fullest poten- I am not saying this will be easy. The lution, it is imperative for both Pales- tials politically, economically and road that lies ahead is full of challen- tine and Israel to return to the negoti- culturally especially for the people of ges, obstacles and resistance but we ating table in earnest. And this is a Palestine. appeal to our Palestinian brothers to question of choice. If at all, this is the stay on this course and put your diffe- only choice that must be made by Ladies and gentlemen, rences behind. Rest assured that we, leaders and by people of both sides DIPLOMATIC VOICE 7