Wednesday, 19 January 2022 10:00≪


Mr. Szijjártó (Hungary): I thank you very much, Madam President, for convening our meeting today under such complicated circumstances to discuss this very important matter. 

There is absolutely no doubt that the security of the Middle East has been one of the issues with the strongest and most comprehensive impact on global peace and security in past decades. We have all witnessed many attempts by several actors to resolve the crisis. However, most of those attempts have either failed or had only limited impact.

The Abraham Accords, signed by Israel and numerous Arab States, represent the most significant result on the matter. Apart from normalizing bilateral relations between the States involved, the Abraham Accords may give new impetus to the Middle East peace process, as well to the much-awaited agreement between Israel and Palestine. Indeed, we hope that negotiations will be successful in that regard.

We are pleased to see the deepening ties between Arab countries and Israel, which we consider to be a game-changer in regional dynamics. Increased cooperation in important areas such as food security, health care and water management has genuine potential to increase long-term stability in the region. We recognize the role of former United States President Donald Trump in that regard. We strongly support the comprehensive implementation of the Accords, the accession of an ever-increasing number of States and the signing of further agreements. We remain committed to furthering this cause with all the means at our disposal, including our leverage within the European Union (EU).

I must state that we are often quite disappointed about the way in which Israel is treated, even in some of the committees and bodies of the United Nations. We are committed to a fair and more balanced approach concerning Israel. We reject all unilateral, unfounded and biased decisions to condemn Israel. Furthermore, we call upon the United Nations and its Member States to end the anti-Israel discussion and avoid discussing agenda items of that kind, as the purpose of such discussion is not to find a solution to the current situation but to blame only one side for the challenges in the region.

We must speak honestly. Israel has been faced with the tremendous threat of terrorism. We have to call the terrorist organizations, persons and entities concerned by name, as they pose a threat to Israel and its people. We believe that Israel has the right to self-defence and to protect its sovereignty and its citizens.

As a member State of the European Union, we consider Israel to be an ally of key importance in the region. That is why we often encourage closer relations between the EU and Israel in Brussels. We continue to call for the convening of the EU-Israel Association Council.

I would like to draw the Council’s attention to an aspect that might explain why for us, Central Europeans, the security situation in the Middle East is so important. Past experiences in our region clearly show that a deteriorating security situation and instability in Middle East usually leads to waves of illegal migration, which often target Europe. Migrants reach Central Europe and cause major security-related challenges on our continent.

Let me also mention that we follow with great concern the rise of modern-day anti-Semitism in many parts of the world. The Government of Hungary has announced a zero-tolerance policy against anti-Semitism. We are proud of the fact that the largest Jewish community in Central Europe resides in Hungary. We are also proud that the security of that community is guaranteed by our Constitution and our authorities.

Lastly, I would like to mention that I am proud to represent a country founded on a 1,000-year-long Christian statehood. That is why Hungary feels and assumes responsibility for the security of Christian communities around the world. Unfortunately, we are witnessing ever-increasing persecution against Christians, who are becoming the most persecuted religious group in the world. Unfortunately, many Christian communities in the Middle East find themselves in dire situations because of persecution. I hope that the United Nations, the Secretariat and fellow States Members of the United Nations will join us in speaking up and standing up for the Christian communities in this region in the future. 

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