Mr. President,
I would like to thank Deputy Secretary General Rosemary DiCarlo for her statement.
Switzerland is extremely concerned about the situation in the Middle East. The attacks of the last few days in the occupied Syrian Golan, in the southern suburbs of Beirut and in Teheran represent an acceleration of the escalation that must be stopped as a matter of urgency.
We reject this spiral of violence and urge a return to diplomacy.
Switzerland urges all actors involved, and those who have influence over them, to show the utmost restraint, to pursue diplomatic channels in order to ease tensions, and to seek solutions in line with international law. All channels of communication must be used.
Mr. President,
There is no military solution to this conflict. Dialogue and de-escalation are the only ways to avoid falling into the abyss of a regional war, and to get back on the road to peace.
International law, including the United Nations Charter, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in the region must be respected. We call on all parties to respect and fully implement the resolutions of the Security Council - including all resolutions adopted since October 7, as well as resolution 1701.
Furthermore, all parties to the conflict must respect international humanitarian law in all circumstances. Civilians are protected and must never be targeted. Too many have been killed in the region since October 7. The above-mentioned developments and the continuing fighting in Gaza continue to claim new civilian victims. This is unacceptable and must stop.
We reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages. A ceasefire in Gaza is urgently needed, in particular to reduce civilian suffering. It would also help to calm the situation in the region, including in Lebanon and on both sides of the Blue Line. Negotiations must urgently continue in good faith.
The Council must assume its responsibilities and contribute, united, to a peaceful solution. All eyes are on us. Switzerland is ready to make its contribution.
Thank you.