Jason Mack
Counselor for Economic and Social Affairs
U.S. Mission to the United Nations
New York, New York
July 21, 2020
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.
The United States is disappointed at the presentation yet again of a one-sided and biased report. We remain very concerned about the decidedly anti-Israel bias that still exists within the United Nations, including the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia. This prejudice is evident in this report and its recommendations, which do nothing to advance the aspirations of the Palestinians and Israelis for a more secure, peaceful, and prosperous future. The report is unbalanced, and unfairly singles out Israel in a forum that is not intended to be politicized. This document only serves to inflame both sides of the conflict and complicate our shared goal of advancing Israeli-Palestinian peace.
The United States shares with many members of the international community the same goal of a lasting and comprehensive peace between Israel and the Palestinians. We continue to pursue the path that President Trump set out in January when presenting the U.S. Vision for Peace. In our view, this plan is the best and most realistic framework to inform negotiations.
UN resolutions and reports like these are so consistently biased and counterproductive that they have no place in our discourse. They do nothing to promote the cause of peace, or improve the situation on the ground for the Israeli and Palestinian people.
Thank you.
###
