Switzerland has renewed “its support for a solution to two states”, on the occasion of the UN conference on the Middle East in New York. It calls on the international community “to intensify diplomatic approaches to relaunch a sustainable peace process”.
Switzerland is “horrified” by the suffering endured by the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip, writes the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAE). “The current situation is unbearable and we have to act urgently,” said Monika Schmutz Kirgöz, head of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) division of the DFAE, in this statement released on Wednesday. She represented Switzerland in New York.
In response to the collapse of basic services in the entire Gaza Strip and against the worst scenario, that of famine, which is currently taking place, Switzerland “supports several partner organizations” which provide help to the Gaza population.
It “recalled the need for all parties to strictly respect international law, including international humanitarian law, as well as the UN Charter and UN resolutions”, it is also said in the press release.
From the point of view of the DFAE, it is “important to restore a political perspective and to adopt diplomatic measures aimed at realizing the two -state solution, which provides for the peaceful coexistence of Israel and Palestine within safe and recognized borders”. Switzerland is convinced that this solution is the only one capable of guaranteeing peace, security and dignity to Israeli and Palestinian populations.
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No recognition at this stage
But unlike other European states, Switzerland is not ready to recognize a Palestinian state at this stage. For her, “this approach must be part of the perspective of a lasting peace based on the two -state solution”. This recognition “could be envisaged when concrete implementation measures – guaranteeing both the security of Israel and the right to self -determination of the Palestinian people – will have been engaged,” explains the DFAE.
In New York, Monika Schmutz Kirgöz therefore “urged all parties to mobilize in favor of lasting peace”. Switzerland also said he was ready to “support international efforts with determination to implement the two -state solution”.
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