"Hence, undoubtedly, it can be said that illegal settlement lies at the core of the Israeli occupation. It is the key issue threatening the Palestinian people's protection and is a major obstacle in the peace process," Marsudi remarked at the UN Headquarters, New York, the United States, on Thursday.
Marsudi made the statement while addressing members of the UNSC as she led an informal meeting based on the 'Arria Formula' format and themed "Israeli Settlements and Illegal Settlers: The Core of Occupation, the Crisis of Protection, and Obstacles to Peace."
Indonesia along with Kuwait and South Africa held the meeting that was attended by Palestinian Foreign Minister, Riyad al-Maliki.
During the discussion, Minister Marsudi reiterated that the construction of illegal settlements in the Palestinian territories, including in East Jerusalem, further dashed the hopes of realizing a two-state solution.
"Undeniably, illegal settlements have put the two-state solution in jeopardy," she pointed out.
Marsudi cautioned that illegal settlements will alter the demographic composition, character, and status of the occupied Palestinian territories.
"This settlement is a de-facto annexation and one of the major hindrances in the peace process," Minister Marsudi stated.
The 'Arria Formula' format meeting is one of the informal UN Security Council meetings held with the objective of scrutinizing an issue viewed as being complex and necessitating a breakthrough by bringing forth experts via interactive dialogue.
The Arria Formula format special meeting on Palestine under the Indonesian leadership is part of Indonesia's key concern over the Palestinian issue and has become one of its priorities as the UNSC member.
All UNSC member nations and other UN member states, as well as representatives of international organizations and UN agencies attended the informal discussion.
The Arria Formula meeting is part of the Indonesian leadership's activities at the UNSC in May 2019. Some other activities comprise the Open Debate on the UN Peace Mission on May 7, 2019; Open Debate on the Protection of Civilians during Armed Conflict on May 23, 2019; a Photo Exhibition themed "Investing in Peace" on May 6-17, 2019; as well as the Indonesian Diplomatic and Cultural Performance Reception on May 30, 2019.
Translator: Yuni Arisandy, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
