Dålig timing, Palestina

Nedan följer den svenska röstförklaringen i sin helhet.

"Sweden completely understands the aspiration of Palestine to become a member of UNESCO.

Sweden has for long been deeply committed to the international efforts of achieving comprehensive peace in the Middle East and to a two-state solution with an independent, contiguous and viable State of Palestine living side by side in peace and security with the State of Israel.

We believe that such a solution can only be reached through negotiations. We therefore strongly welcome the Quartet’s result-oriented approach, with clear expectations of concrete proposals and timelines for this endeavor.

Sweden has for long been a major partner for Palestinian state-building and provider of assistance to the Palestinian people. We congratulate Palestine that the AHLC assesses that Palestinian institutions are above the threshold of a functioning state.

Sweden takes note of the UN membership application which is now before the Security Council.

Our vote on the draft resolution today has to do with its timing, not its substance. It should be viewed in the perspective of the urgency we attach to reaching a two-state solution, within the timeframe set by the Quartet. It does not in any way prejudge the position that Sweden might take if the question of the status of Palestine is brought before the UN General Assembly."