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Palestine has right to become full UN member: FM Retno
Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi reiterates Indonesia’s support for Palestinian statehood in her first meeting at the UN Security Council in New York this year.
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Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi (center) attends an open debate of the United Nations Security Council in New York on Jan. 22. (Courtesy of /Foreign Ministry)
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alestine has "a natural and legal right" to become a full member of the United Nations, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said on Tuesday at a UN Security Council open debate on the situation in the Middle East.
In her first UNSC meeting since Indonesia began serving as a nonpermanent member of the council in January, Retno reiterated Indonesia's support for the Palestinian people, saying that the issue of Palestine's UN membership deserved the full attention of the council.
"The success of resolving the Palestinian issue will determine the credibility and trust of the international community toward the UN Security Council," Retno said in a statement received on Wednesday.
"The road toward Palestine’s full membership has been and will remain bumpy [...] But I am sure this bumpy road will not stop Palestine and the international community in fulfilling this right."
In her speech, Retno drew attention to three main issues required to encourage the resolution of conflict between Palestine and Israel: compliance to international law, a legitimate peace process and an end to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The minister underlined the importance of immediately ceasing various violations of international law, including the construction of illegal settlements by Israel.
"This is provocative, not to mention morally and legally wrong. Palestinian families are driven unjustly from their homes."
On her second point, Retno expressed her concerns about efforts to undermine a two-state solution. She said Indonesia was also concerned about the ongoing humanitarian crisis, especially with regard to the Gaza blockade.
As a staunch supporter of Palestinian statehood, Indonesia has vowed to promote the Palestinian agenda as part of its 4+1 list of priorities on the UNSC.
It is likely to face challenges in cooperating with pro-Israel countries on the council, experts say, most notably the United States, which along with four other permanent members has the power to veto any tabled council resolutions.
