New York – His Majesty King Mohammed VI, addressed a message to Chairman of the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, Cheikh Niang, on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
Here follows the full text of the Royal Message:
« Praise be to God,
May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet, His Kith and Kin
Your Excellency Sheikh Niang, Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People,
Your Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As the world celebrates the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, I should like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to you for your unremitting efforts to uphold the legitimate, inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and support their just cause.
I avail myself of this opportunity to reiterate my country’s clear and firm position regarding the justness of the Palestinian cause and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, in particular their right to establish their independent Palestinian State, with East Jerusalem as its capital – a state living in peace and security alongside the State of Israel.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Although urgent international crises seem to have priority on the agenda of the international community and its institutions, peace and stability in the Middle East region will hinge on resolving the issue of Palestine, the longest-lasting dispute in the world. Security and stability in that region therefore require relentless efforts to break free from the logic of conflict and embrace, instead, peace and cooperation for the emergence of a prosperous space for all the peoples concerned.
The current deadlock in the political process between the Palestinian and Israeli sides does not promote the peace we are yearning for in the region. Nevertheless, I encourage the positive signs and commendable initiatives undertaken to rebuild confidence and launch meaningful negotiations that help achieve a just, comprehensive and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue,
in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions, and the two-State solution, which is a realistic option.
I firmly believe that the initiatives designed to foster prosperity in the region – as essential as they may be – will remain insufficient, given the nature of the protracted conflict, which is now threatening the future of the generations to come.
The absence of a favorable political outlook for the Palestinian cause, coupled with the unilateral measures which undermine the prospects for peace, have allowed extremist players to continue desecrating holy sites and spreading a culture rooted in violence and hatred. As a result, this conflict may well cease to be a political dispute and turn, instead, into an ideological one, with dire consequences for the entire region.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Holy City of al-Quds al-Sharif holds a special place in the hearts and minds of Arab and Moslem peoples, given the spiritual and ideological symbolism of the city. Furthermore, it is one of the final status issues that need to be resolved through direct negotiations.
In keeping with the mission entrusted to me as Chairman of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Al-Quds Committee, I call for the preservation of the legal, cultural and religious status of the Holy City as a common heritage of mankind, as a land of encounter, and as a symbol of peaceful coexistence between the followers of the three monotheistic religions.
Under my personal supervision, the Bayt Mal al-Quds al-Sharif Agency has been implementing tangible projects in the housing, health, education and social sectors for the benefit of our brothers and sisters in al-Quds. They mainly aim to preserve the cultural identity of the Holy City, improve the social and living conditions of its inhabitants and support their steadfast struggle.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The efforts and initiatives undertaken by the Kingdom of Morocco in support of the Palestinian cause attest to a sincere, continuous commitment, which is accompanied by concrete measures on the ground. This action is highly appreciated and praised by the leadership and people of Palestine. In this regard, I recommend that this just cause be shielded from useless outbidding tactics and narrow calculations which do not serve it in any way.
This is also a good opportunity to call on all Palestinian stakeholders to work as one team in order to build strong Palestinian institutions under the leadership of my brother, His Excellency Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine, and thus achieve the aspirations of our Palestinian brothers and sisters for freedom, independence and a life of dignity.
To conclude, I reiterate my support and appreciation for the sincere efforts your esteemed Committee has been making to call attention to the importance and the need to find a just and final solution to the Palestinian issue, in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions.
I wish you every success.
Wassalamu alaikum warahmatullah wabarakatuh. »