Direct Talks, Negotiation Between Palestine And Israel Only Way To Ensure Long Term Peace - Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- Malaysia reiterated that direct talks and negotiation between Palestine and Israel are the only way to ensure long term peace, security and stability in the region. Malaysia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Hussein Haniff said the question of Palestine had been around before the United Nations was established yet it was still nowhere near in resolving the conflict and achieving just and durable peace between Palestine and Israel. "Malaysia reaffirms its long standing commitment in supporting Palestine's continuous effort for self-determination, sovereignty and independence, underpinned by the various international principles and laws," he said. Hussein said this in his address on Agenda Item 36: Question of Palestine in New York, Tuesday. The text of his speech was made available to Bernama here, Wednesday. Hussein said the long term ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestine, brokered by the Egyptian government on Aug 26, was therefore a much-needed development which Malaysia welcomed. Hussein said Malaysia also believed that stronger political will at the highest level from all parties was needed to further encourage a more constructive dialogue. He said Malaysia also believed that the normalisation of the situation in Gaza would significantly reduce tension and facilitate the resumption of the political process. "Normalisation to us means the realisation and fulfilment of the inalienable rights of all the Palestinian people, and for them to live the normal lives that many of us enjoy - in peace, freedom, dignity and ultimately in a land which they can call their own," he added. -- BERNAMA