King Abdullah II of Jordan addressed the UN General Assembly’s 74th session yesterday in New York City.
The King focused on Palestine, saying that the continued occupation of the territory is a moral tragedy.
“No occupation, no displacements, no acts of force, can erase people’s history, hopes, or rights, or change the true heritage of shared values among the three monotheistic faiths,” His Majesty said.
He continued talking about the tragedy that the Holy Land for Christians, Jews, and Muslims is a place fo conflict, saying, “It is a terrible irony that the land holy to three faiths, faiths which share the great commandment to love one’s neighbour, should ever be a place of conflict.
“Segregation, forced displacement, violence, and mistrust do not belong in this Holy Land.”
King Abdullah also stressed the importance of finding a two-state resolution to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He said one state with unequal laws is the only alternative.
His Majesty remarked, “The two-state solution is the only genuine solution. Because, what is the alternative? One state, segregated, with unequal laws, dependent on force, betraying the deepest values of the good people on both sides? That is a formula for enduring conflict, not a path to stability, security, and peace.”
The King also called for action from all UN member countries, saying that the future for millions of young people hangs in the balance; without a solution to the conflict, generations will continue to be deprived of “the rich fruits of new technology and global wealth.”
Refugees were also a topic and he said, “And let’s ask ourselves: why, in the 21st century, are crises still displacing millions of people? Across our world, there are more forced displacements today than at any time since World War II.”
He asked, “What will tomorrow’s world look like if we do not help end these crises and give refugees and hosts alike, the support they need to meet the future?”
King Abdullah then concluded by saying, “These are the values that permeate the UN Charter—to live together in peace as good neighbours, to honour the rights and equality of all, to combine our efforts and unite our strengths, not only to maintain peace and security, but to improve human life, through justice, prosperity, and greater hope for humanity.”