Topic: Question of Palestinian Statehood
Country: Portugal
Delegate Name: Ryan Kerr
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Portugal position papers GLIMUN 2012 committees
Tensions between Palestine and Israel continue and the extended turmoil between two lands has become a plight in our world. As a global community, we need a resolution of this conflict, we need to stop the building death tolls, we need lasting peace; however, granting Palestine statehood will not meet these needs. For a time, there may be the semblance of serenity, but this so-called solution promises no stabilization. In support of the two-state solution with pre-1967 borders, Palestine claims that recognizing them as nation gives them equal footing in negotiations and that peace talks will be easier once an independent state. Where is the proof? Once made a nation, the new Palestinian government will be forced to deal with major problems such as refugees, water scarcity, and border violence. While dealing with these problems, will it be easier to make peace with Israel? As Palestine would celebrate their recognition, Israel would be dealing with the unilateral decision that shrinks their borders and cuts in half their capital.
While Portugal believes in a nation of Palestine, the United Nations needs first to ensure that it peacefully establishes a lasting and stable state. What are needed are immediate negotiations. As a body, we must foster peace discussions. Before accepting Palestine as a state, there must be clear solutions to stability problems in Palestine and security problems between the states. The United Nations should require demonstrated progress on these issues. Presently, let us instead promote Palestinian upgrade to a non-member observer. This will recognize immediately the organization and authority of Palestine and allow them a greater voice in the United Nations and international affairs. Prior to the establishment of the independent state of Palestine:
1) Peaceful relations with Israel need to be established
2) Provisions for the millions of Palestinian refugees need to be made
3) Water allocation agreement must be reached
4) Borders must be secured and safe (all violence on both sides needs to be condemned and addressed)
Once these conditions are satisfied, a viable and stable state can form. This also fosters compromise between the two states that must coexist moving forward or forever create aggression in the region.
Portugal remains dedicated to the formation of a peaceful and long-lasting Palestine. To do this, however, Palestine must be prepared. Statehood for the sake of statehood will cause problems, not solve them. Unconditionally, Portugal supports the upgrade of Palestine to a non-member observer. The United Nations should keep in mind long-term needs not simply Palestine’s wants.
