Studium

Delegation From The Palestinian National Authority
Represented By California State University, Chico
By Natalie Metzger and Eddy Carey

The Topics before the General Assembly First Committee are: Weapons of Mass Destruction and Non-State Actors, Regional Disarmament Measures, and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. The Palestinian National Authority is committed to upholding the fundamental goal of this committee to provide and ensure international security and disarmament. Our delegation looks forward to opening dialogue on these important issues and seeks a renewed commitment to counteract future threats of terror both domestically and abroad.

The Palestinian National Authority (PA) is greatly encouraged by the diligent efforts of the General Assembly (GA) First Committee to effectively deter and disarm those who possess and seek to possess chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons of mass destruction (WMD). In today’s political realm, new political threats are continually evolving, and in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, important treaties such as the Treaty of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (A/RES/50/245) express the broad relevance of multilateral non-proliferation, disarmament, and arms control measures in the face of narrow self interests and the continuing changing dynamics of international peace and security. Unilateral and subjective efforts towards disarmament foster implications of aggression and disregard for international law and justice. Accordingly, the Palestinian Authority endorses A/RES/57/510 and its attempt to promote multilateralism in the area of disarmament and non-proliferation. Commissions such as the Conference on Disarmament, the Disarmament Commission, and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons have successfully created various agencies and commissions composed of multilateral means. Together, they have addressed the complex challenges of international proliferation by creating sustainable initiatives to protect international peace and security. While the Palestinian Authority applauds the collective interests of these entities, this delegation also stresses the importance of the continued implementation and evolution of these treaties according to the changing dynamics of the international community. This delegation notes the successful outcome of the 2000 Review Conference on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the continued revitalization of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, and the continuing effective implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention are concrete steps to ensure the continuing cooperative actions ensuring the stability of the international community. In addition, a nuclear strategic framework is necessary in order to develop a credible alternative to nuclear deterrence. There is no region under as large a threat of nuclear proliferation as the Middle East; this delegation recalls A/RES/57/507 and its efforts to establish a nuclear-weapon-free zone within the Middle East. Additionally, this delegation also recognizes the importance of concluding further Nuclear-Weapons-Free Zone treaties, as stated in A/RES/54/5. Today, the ability of non-state actors to obtain nuclear materials for the production of WMD is not as great of a threat as non-state actors acquiring biological and chemical weapons. Thus, treaties such as the 1980 Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials are outdated and are not equipped to safeguard facilities as targets from non-state actors, a prevalent threat within the region. It is the position of this delegation that strengthening a state’s access to technical assistance, while also creating various barriers for non-state actors to overcome, will help to provide the first line of defense against attainment of chemical and biological weapons of mass destruction. Conventions such as the 7th Conference of the States Parties and, most recently, the 2002 Treaty on Offensive Strategic Reductions recognize these methods. Furthermore, it is the belief of this delegation that the promotion of universal adherence to the non-proliferation regime by all non-nuclear states, and the creation of equal access to all peaceful uses of nuclear technology, coupled with state cooperation and sensible policies regarding a sustainable security system rooted in economic and social development, will facilitate the ultimate security goal of total elimination of nuclear threat.

The occupied Palestinian territories are an overwhelming example of the desecration caused by an unjust war–a war that has been the primary cause of the destruction of the Palestinian economy and the ultimate promotion of deplorable living standards. Today, upwards of 70 percent of all Palestinians live below the United Nations poverty line, living on less than two American dollars per day. Malnutrition in Gaza and all over the Occupied Territories is at desperate levels. With grave regard to this crisis, the Palestinian Authority reiterates the basic foundations of human rights found in The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article I which states, ”all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights…” Additionally, Article 1 Chapter 3 of the United Nations Charter which states the goal of “achieving international cooperation in solving international problems of an economic social, cultural, humanitarian character…” Sustainable regional disarmament is critical for international security and for the promotion of peace for future generations. The Palestinian Authority notes that, for the successful implementation of regional disarmament, it is imperative that multilateral and bilateral resources join together and create various policy frameworks such as The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to tackle the current challenges that the international community faces in the twenty-first century. Our delegation applauds the continuing work by such member states as Egypt, Great Britain, and Russia and their efforts to disarm Israel. Noting this, the Palestinian Authority wishes to reiterate S/RES/242 and S/RES/425 which calls for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Palestinian terroritories. Territorial integrity, political independence, and respect for Palestinian sovereignty are critical mechanisms for the assurance of regional stability. Recognizing this, the Palestinian Authority continues to emphasize the importance of and support of regional and sub-regional organizations such as the UN Commission of Human Rights (UNHCR), the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), and The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) which are actively engaged in maintaining stability. Larger organizations such as the Committee on Disarmament and the Disarmament Commission provide complex interpretations of goals, creating a lack of political will among member-states. This, coupled with political conflict, equates to a relapse of dissention among member states regarding the proper course of action for disarmament. Noting this, the Palestinian Authority wishes to emphasize regional confidence-building measures and wishes to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of regional and larger scale organizations. Disarmament measures, with particular emphasis on nuclear weapons, are unlikely without appropriate mechanisms to oversee and supervise this disarmament. Having stated this position, this delegation applauds A/RES/53/74 and its prohibition on the use of nuclear weapons, and A/RES/32/40, which states that a violation of international agreements would be a violation of the Charter of the United Nations and is a crime against humanity. Our delegation also recognizes the importance of concluding further nuclear-weapons-free zone treaties, as stated in A/RES/54/51, and supports the establishment of nuclear-weapons-free zones in the Middle East and South Asia. General and complete disarmament as stated in A/RES/46/36, coupled with accordance to past agreements such as the Oslo Accords, are the only appropriate and necessary means for providing sustainable security and disarmament in the Middle East. By securing and recognizing boundaries in the region, a secure and lasting peace will be established free from threats and acts of force. Conferences such as the recent United Nations Conference on International Organizations are important tools in recognizing and establishing concrete resources to establish peace and stability in the Middle East. Our delegation applauds measures such as these to integrate local, regional, and national organizations to establish not just stability, but sustainable security built upon post-conflict economic development. International cooperation and adequate resources are critical to reaching a goal of total disarmament with the ultimate objective of the elimination of nuclear weapons in the framework of general and complete disarmament. The Palestinian Authority calls upon all states to implement fully their commitments in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. With the current trends determining the future of Palestinian Statehood, it is feared that if no additional action is taken, the possibility of a viable Palestinian state would be eroded. Our delegation calls upon the international community to support reforms of the Palestinian Authority in order to serve the interests of the Palestinian people. In addition, through the auspices of the United Nations, the Palestinian Authority wishes to extend its complete cooperation in working with the international community in establishing total regional disarmament in the Middle East. Our delegation will continue to promote and work toward the total elimination of weapons, so that one day peace and security will be a glorious reality for the Palestinian people.

The Palestinian Authority recognizes and notes the common interest of mankind in promoting the exploration and use of outer space, as noted in A/RES/56/51, which reaffirms the necessity of the peaceful uses of outer space and reaffirmation of the importance of international cooperation within that capacity. May the lives lost in the tragic event of February 1, 2003, when space shuttle Columbia exploded not be in vain. Continued cooperation in outer space exploration for peaceful purposes and technological advances will reinforce the sacrifice that each of these brave men and women gave to their country. Palestine wishes to extend to the United States of America its condolences in this difficult time, and, in their memory, we continue to encourage all states to maximize their resources and to direct them accordingly towards peaceful uses as declared in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. However, the Palestinian Authority is concerned that this non-armament treaty leaves out critical elements including rising biological and chemical weapons uses. Recognizing this, we encourage everyone to affirm the Outer Space Treaty and its established mechanisms to not only provide safety from nuclear weapons, but chemical and biological weapons also. International cooperation is critical, and A/RES/55/122 successfully promotes and establishes continued good will and international cooperation regarding peaceful uses of outer space through various multilateral and bi-lateral agreements including the United Nations Programme on Space Applications and the Third United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE III), established and upheld by A/RES/54/68. Recent events continue to alter the path of our future, and organizations such as the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space must align its priorities to the times. Questions of satellite usage (Anti-Satellite System) and amending and strengthening international legal instruments, such as the outdated 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, are important topics appropriately undertaken by the international auspices of the United Nations. The Palestinian Authority wishes to do its part to provide for an appropriate exchange of information with other states to provide vital information and aide critical for international security and safeguarding.