By NNN-KUNA
United Nations : The Security Council once again failed to issue a press statement on the deteriorating situation in Gaza because of US objection.
Council president Ricardo Alberto Arias of Panama spoke to reporters in his national capacity following a council discussion of the matter late Thursday, saying he is “profoundly concerned about the increased violence in the Middle East region.”
He added that “we are concerned about the effect it has on the civil population and with the effect it has on the deteriorating humanitarian situation.
“Panama calls on all parties to show self-restraint in this difficult moment and to comply with obligation under international law.”
Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour found it “unfortunate” that the council could not even issue a press statement when children and even infants are being killed by Israel.
“We need the help from the council, from those who went to Annapolis, Paris, the Quartert, the international community to stop this tragedy against our people and to therefore begin the process of creating the appropriate atmosphere where we can say the peace process can flourish,” he told reporters.
He sent letters late Thursday to the council president, saying the council “cannot continue to be sidelined and paralysed as this crisis continues to unfold and escalate. It must uphold its Charter responsibilities and act to bring an end to this cycle of violence and counter-violence.”
“The council must be a player to help the parties concerned to develop and promote the new strategy that has been called for to resolve the current crisis, ameliorate the terrible situation on the ground and create a calmer, more positive environment for the advancement of peace negotiations in good faith,” Mansour said in his letter.
The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) also issued a statement late Thursday condemning the Israeli continuous military assault against the Palestinian civilian population in Gaza which resulted in the killing of 76 people in February alone.
“NAM calls upon the international community, especially the Security Council, to uphold international law and its responsibilities and to act urgently to address the growing crisis.
“Israel is called upon to immediately cease its violations and to abide by all of its obligations under international law and relevant UN resolutions,” the NAM statement said.