President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has sent a message of felicitation to the President and people of Palestine on the occasion of International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
The President's message reads as follows:
"On the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, I wish to reiterate the support of my Government and that of the people of the Maldives to the people of Palestine and their legitimate aspirations for an independent State. We firmly believe in the inalienable right of the people of Palestine to self-determination, and to determine, with no compulsion or coercion, their own futures and independence."
"We are deeply saddened to witness the passing of yet another year, with no sight of justice or peace for the people of Palestine. While it has been almost seven decades since the United Nations adopted the Partition Resolution, a peaceful settlement is yet to be achieved. The escalation of conflict and steep deterioration of the socio-economic and humanitarian situation on the ground is a manifestation of an injustice that has persisted far too long. It is an apartheid that is becoming more inhumane and more perilous by day. This harsh truth is reflected in the everyday lives of Palestinian refugees, who have been forced to flee their homes and are deprived of their right to return and live in peace. The cruel reality on the ground is mirrored in the eyes of Palestinians who have lost their daughters and sons to a futile conflict that has been fueling injustice and hatred for decades."
"The need for a final and comprehensive settlement of the conflict is urgent and overdue. Our work, as a collective international community, is incomplete until we can witness a day when the people of Palestine can see their children grow up without fear. The Maldives believes in a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side and at peace. We urge the international community, and other concerned parties, to engage constructively, to find enduring peace for the region, and to fulfill its pledges to the people of Palestine."
"We must take hope in the myriad of voices calling for stronger action against the injustices being perpetrated upon the Palestinian people, and by the fact that the international community as a whole stands in solidarity with the people of Palestine. This was reflected more recently at the United Nations, where member states voted overwhelmingly in favour of raising the Palestinian flag as a non-member observer state. Indeed, this was a significant and symbolic move highlighting international support towards Palestinian aspirations for statehood. The flag of Palestine, raised high, and flying strong and proud next to the flags of the UN member states, is a sign of progress."
"The rightful cause of the Palestinian people is of paramount importance to the people of Maldives. We will remain steadfast in our quest to find a lasting and peaceful solution to the plight of Palestinians, and to attain justice and freedom for our sisters and brothers in Palestine. Today, we also pay tribute to the people of Palestine for their resilience, commitment, and bravery in their pursuit of peace and freedom."
"On this important occasion, I pray that opportunities will open up for a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the everyday struggles faced by Palestinians. We remain optimistic that Palestinians can raise their flag over an independent, sovereign State of Palestine in the near future."
