Statement by Ambassador Boštjan Malovrh, Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations, at the UN General Assembly 74^th Plenary meeting on the use of the veto (the Palestinian request for full UN membership)

Thank you Mister President,

As discussions on yet another moment of division in the Security Council unfolds in this Assembly, Slovenia firmly believes that the focal point of all our deliberations should be the people.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached a catastrophic level and continues to deteriorate. Barriers to humanitarian assistance persist, while violations of international law, particularly humanitarian and human rights law, persist as well. Already atrocious living conditions will be exacerbated by rising temperatures.

Slovenia reiterates the call for full respect of international law and full implementation of Security Council resolutions 2712, 2720 and 2728 as well as ICJ orders on provisional measures. We call on Israel not to carry out the operation in Rafah.

Mister President,

In order to keep the focus on people, we uphold two primary objectives: first addressing the dire situation in Gaza and second reviving the political process towards a two-state solution.

Slovenia voted in favour of the recommendation of the Security Council for membership of the State of Palestine in the United Nations. We believe that the membership of the State of Palestine in the UN could considerably bolster the political process. This process should address all outstanding issues, provide support to the State of Palestine and guarantee security for Israel. UN membership should be seen as complementary to negotiations, not a substitute for them.

Slovenia advocates for the UN to play a central role in the peace process, thereby granting both states equal status at the UN. We regret the use of veto.

The two-state solution, where two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace, remains the sole viable long-term option. Any two-state solution must be based on sovereign equality and mutual recognition.

Mister President,

Slovenia continues calling for peaceful resolution of all conflicts. It has been 30 years since the signing of Oslo Accords, yet no substantial progress in the peace process has been achieved. Alarm bells in the West Bank and Gaza have been ringing for years. We believe granting UN membership to Palestine could be an important step towards peace. It would strengthen the role of the Palestinian Authority and contribute to the security of Israel.

Simultaneously, we strongly advocate for the convening of an international peace conference in order to agree on a peace plan leading to a two state-solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peaceful coexistence.

The recognition of the Palestinian state is the only guarantee of the safety and security of Israelis. Slovenia supports all efforts and initiatives aimed at finding a politically viable solution to the conflict.

I thank you.

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