Statement at the High-Level International Conference on Palestine and the Two-State Solution

As delivered (transcribed from the audio recording)

Excellencies,

Thank you – France and Saudi Arabia for convening us together today.

I would also have liked to salute the President of the State of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas. I find it an illustration of deep injustice that he was denied entry to be with us today, but his address was reasonable and dignified. Thank you, Mr. President.

32 years ago, the first Oslo Accords were signed, forever creating an association between my country, my capital and a vision for peace in the Middle East.

Ever since we have worked for one end: peace, security and dignity for the Palestinians and the Israelis, living side-by-side in two sovereign states enjoying the rights and obligations that follow from the Charter of the United Nations.

I have followed this closely, now as Prime Minister, previously as Foreign Minister and also as Secretary-General of the Norwegian Red Cross.

Today’s conference marks a historical high-point of international support for and recognition of the State of Palestine.

At the same time, the situation on the ground is perhaps the furthest we have been from its realisation;

• The situation in Gaza is catastrophic.
• The governance structures created by the Oslo Accords are driven to the verge of collapse.
• And the encroachment on Palestinian territory continues. 

Yes, it is complex – but it is true: The two-state solution is the only credible path to peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.

An occupying power cannot have a veto over what happens in a territory it is unlawfully occupying.

The Palestinian people have the right to self-determination – as do the Israeli people.

Last year, therefore, Norway – along with Spain, Ireland and Slovenia – recognized the State of Palestine. We welcome the recognitions announced last year, and this week, and today. Thank you, Mr. President, for France’s decision.

It sends an important signal – underlining the urgent need to;

• stop the violence, 
• improve access to humanitarian assistance, 
• release the hostages,
• and pave the way for a lasting solution, based on the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

Only last week, this Assembly approved a roadmap of concrete actions to this end. And in July, a broad majority voted in favour of the New York declaration.

Friends,

There will be no State of Palestine – or a body to govern Gaza – the day after, without functioning Palestinian authorities.

Preserving and reforming the institutions that we – together – have invested in and helped build over the last three decades, is critical.

It is critical for the well-being of the Palestinian population in this desperate hour.

And it is critical for peace and security – also for Israel.

The alternative is chaos – or worse.

It is the strongest rejection we can come up with of Hamas and terrorism to recognize a Palestinian State under the Charter of the United Nations.

Norway will continue to support the Palestinian Government, including through emergency funds we are mobilizing with other donors.

And we continue to call on Israel to release the tax revenues owed to Palestine.

These revenues are desperately needed to fund schools, hospitals and the police.

So – friends,

This is a time to stand up and be counted. 

• As defenders of human dignity and human rights.
• As defenders of a world with firm laws and rules. 
• As defenders of peaceful solutions.

For 80 years, the UN has been a family of nations. 

The State of Palestine belongs to this family. 

Thank you.