The Maldives today has reiterated its full support for the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, the establishment of an independent State and sovereignty over their own territory and resources.

The Maldives made this reaffirmation in two separate statements delivered at the United Nations General Assembly today at the Second and Third Committee.  In delivering the statements, Ambassador Ahmed Sareer, Charge’d’affaires of the Permaent Mission of Maldives to the United Nations lamented over the grave socioeconomic situation of the Palestinian people documented by the UN Secretary-General in his report to the General Assembly under the subject matter.

Ambassador Sareer viewed that the only avenue available for any substantial measure of economic and social development in the occupied Palestinian territory would be to end the occupation and the formal international recognition of the State of Palestine.  He called on the United Nations to take effective action by promoting permanent peace for Israel and Palestine based on a fair partnership and equality between the peoples of these two entities.

Ambassador Sareer further outlined the Maldives’ belief that all human rights, including the right to self-determination, must be respected and upheld to pursue development and progress free from exploitation in all countries. During the statements, the Maldives further reaffirmed that countries must emphasize the importance of preserving the cultural integrity and customs during the path to economic and social development, and ensure that exploitation of peoples and natural resources do not occur under any circumstances in the name of development.