29 July 2010 - Emphasizing the importance of a stable and secure Middle East to the Philippines and the world, the Philippines called for the re-establishment of proximity talks between Israel and Palestine.
Speaking at the United Nations Security Council meeting in New York on "The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestine Question," Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations Libran N. Cabactulan also urged Middle East nations to examine other options towards a peaceful region guided by the results of the 2010 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference. The Philippines, through Ambassador Cabactulan, served as President of the NPT Review Conference last May.Ambassador Cabactulan expressed hope that "both Israel and Palestine put their hands together to achieve a long-lasting and durable solution."
"The Philippines believes that only a diplomatic solution - that is, the resumption of a sincere and meaningful dialogue between the two contending parties - can bring a just, comprehensive and enduring solution to this problem," Ambassador Cabactulan said in his speech.
"The environment of conflict, anguish and the climate of fear should not be allowed to continue. Instead, both parties must promote a climate of trust and respect to one another," he added.
Ambassador Cabactulan likewise reiterated the call to lift the blockade against Gaza to "enable as much as possible a free entry of food, medical supplies and other daily necessities."
The Philippines' call was congruent to the position of the Non-Aligned Movement as well as other partners.
Pointing out that the blockade "only succeeds in alienating and punishing the innocent Palestinians," Ambassador Cabactulan said the United Nations has the "inescapable responsibility of taking the necessary steps to alleviate the pain and suffering of the Palestinian people."
"Peace in the Middle East is important to the Philippines and to the world. And the Philippines is committed to work with like-minded nations to advance this shared vision for that region and for the world," Ambassador Cabactulan said.
He also called on all the countries in the region to "find the fortitude to explore uncharted avenues to durable peace in their part of the world."
The Philippine Permanent Representative said that the 2010 NPT Review Conference, through the follow-on action to the resolution on the Middle East at the 1995 NPT Review and Extension Conference, has "opened a gateway to other options towards a peaceful Middle East."
