Cambodian Permanent Mission: A War Cannot End a War
Phnom Penh, October 28, 2023 --
"Hatred and vengeance feed another cycle of hatred and vengeance. A war cannot end a war and bring lasting peace and harmonious co-existence."
The remarks were made by H.E. Mrs. Eat Sophea, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Cambodia to the UN at the Debate on Item 5: Illegal Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, at 39th plenary meeting of the tenth emergency special session (resumed), held in New York on Oct. 26-27.
"My delegation mourns the loss of so many innocent human lives, including one Cambodian since October 7 until now, and also earlier, both in the state of Israel and the state of Palestine. The Palestine-Israel conflict is a very complex and delicate issue. Therefore, Cambodia wishes to make its own principled position in this regard, instead of joining the statement made in the name of any group," she said.
H.E. Mrs. Eat Sophea added that Cambodia condemns all acts of terrorism and violence against innocent civilians, regardless of their race, culture or religion, and is deeply concerned by the escalation of violence, continued suffering and loss of innocent human lives-women, children, babies and the elderly on the lands of the present conflict.
"Hatred and vengeance feed another cycle of hatred and vengeance. A war cannot end a war and bring lasting peace and harmonious co-existence. My delegation can feel the fire of anger, the pain and agony of all; and we can only appeal and hope for the sense of moderation to prevail. Now more than ever, it is of paramount importance to address the root causes of the Palestine-Israel conflict, to enable both the peoples of Israel and Palestine to co-exist side by side in harmony," she underlined.
H.E. Mrs. Eat Sophea also reiterated three points which I raised during the recent open debate of the Security Council:
"First, it is heartbroken to see the increasing number of civilian casualties and the pain they endure. My delegation urges all parties to exercise utmost restraint, abide by the international humanitarian law and constructively engaged in dialogues to de-escalate the deteriorating situation and achieve a ceasefire or a humanitarian pause. We must make utmost effort to avoid the widening of the war, and fully appreciate the concerns and legitimate aspiration of all equally, so as to end the cycle of violence.
Second, civilian lives and safety must be protected from harm in conflicts. My delegation urges for the release of all civilian taken hostage. We call on all sides not to target civilians and civilian infrastructure and to allow unimpeded humanitarian access for the delivery of essential aid such as food, water and medicines to those in need, in accordance with international humanitarian law.
Third, we call the international community to unite in a spirit of genuine solidarity and sincerity, to foster a meaningful dialogue and negotiations leading to a just and lasting peace."
Moreover, she appealed to all parties concerned to stop finger pointing, but give peace a chance, allow love for humanity to prevail for all the people on earth, regardless of their race and faith, and empower the forces of moderation, to allow the people Israel and Palestine to live side-by-side in lasting peace, security and harmony.
"Again, my delegation salutes the dedication and sacrifice of the UN staff and those of humanitarian agencies who brave formidable risks and danger to provide relief to the innocent civilians," she concluded.