Malta, 28 December 2008
PAM calls for immediate halt to all forms of violence in Gaza and Southern Israel
On behalf of the President, the Bureau and all the members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, the Secretary-General is deeply alarmed by the ongoing heavy violence and bloodshed in Gaza, and the continuation of rocket attacks in southern Israel. PAM appeals to all parties for an immediate halt to all forms of violence. Together with the UN Secretary General, while recognizing Israel's security concerns regarding the firing of rockets from Gaza, PAM firmly reiterates Israel's obligation to uphold international humanitarian and human rights law and condemns the excessive use of force leading to the killing and injuring of civilians. At the same time, PAM also condemns the ongoing rocket attacks by Hamas militants and is deeply distressed that repeated calls for these attacks to end have gone unheeded. The Secretary-General reiterates PAM's call for humanitarian supplies to be allowed into Gaza to assist the affected civilian population. PAM follows with attention and apprehension the evolution of the situation. The Assembly fully supports and is ready to facilitate, as required, the efforts by the UN Secretary General to bring a swift end to the violence in cooperation with the other members of the Quartet, namely the European Union, the Russian Federation and the United States which, alike PAM, backs the Road Map plan for a two-State solution to the conflict, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean is convinced that peace and security are achievable goals and its members will leave no stone unturned in order to reach these international objectives. As a matter of fact in Monaco, on the occasion of the 3rd Plenary Session, the Assembly reiterated its determination to facilitate and support the peace process. Furthermore, it was agreed that a PAM delegation would visit the region in May 2009 to relaunch the parliamentary diplomacy among the countries concerned.
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