Statement by Ambassador Boštjan Malovrh, Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the UN, at the 10^th Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly

Thank you Mister President,

Since its establishment, the United Nations has served as a platform for dialogue. On many of the issues we address, the UN Member States do not agree. We have a diversity of opinions, backgrounds and positions. But this diversity can only be bridged through dialogue.

In our view, the self-determination of peoples is one of the cornerstones for achieving a strong multilateral system. The Slovenian people were able to exercise this right in order to freely establish our own sovereign and independent State. Moreover, for Slovenia becoming a member of the UN signified a major accomplishment in our diplomatic efforts following our declaration of independence. With these memories still fresh, we understand and empathize with Palestine’s aspirations to attain the same goal.

Mister President,

Only through a two-state solution, where two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side, will bring the long-lasting peace to the region. In the given situation we firmly believe in two-layered approach: we must most urgently address the current catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and we need to resume the political process towards a two-state solution.

In the Security Council Slovenia voted in favor of the recommendation for membership of the State of Palestine in the UN and clearly explained its vote. We trust this could significantly support the peace process, which should address all outstanding issues, support the State of Palestine and guarantee security of Israel.

The United Nations has had an important role on the question of Palestine for decades. We are of the view that the UN should play a crucial role in the peace processes, and therefore both states should have an equal status in the Organization. Each journey is a sequence of steps. Granting membership in the UN to Palestine could be one of these important steps towards peace. Slovenia therefore supports that the Security Council continues to deliberate on this question whereas also underlines that the road to admission of Palestine as a full member of the UN must continue fully in line with the UN Charter.

As this process is taking place, Slovenia supports the enhancement of the rights of Palestine in the UN. Amidst the diversity of views at the UN, we always place the UN Charter at the center of our discussions. In that sense we welcome that the main sponsors of the resolution, we adopted on Friday, have made necessary and important changes to address concerns of several member states during negotiations. While Slovenia looks forward to the moment when the UN General Assembly will welcome Palestine as a full member of the UN, we appreciate the legal clarity provided on this distinction of rights.

Mister President,

Dialogue must prevail over weapons in Gaza. Choosing a peaceful way is not always easy and we welcome the State of Palestine choosing peace through this resolution. Here at the UN, we recognize their daily choice of peace through meetings, resolutions, different means of settlement of disputes under Article 33 and a commitment to engagement. Our vote was therefore a clear signal of support to continue choosing dialogue.

I thank you very much.

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