Prince Albert II of Monaco delivers a historic address at the UN Two-State Solution Summit, reaffirming Monaco’s support for both Israel and Palestine. He calls for mutual recognition, release of hostages, disarmament of Hamas, and a sustainable peace built on dignity and security for both nations.
Present in New York for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Prince Albert II formalized Monaco’s recognition of the State of Palestine on Monday, September 22. This announcement comes as part of a conference dedicated to the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian question, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.
“We also want to recognize Palestine as a state under international law, which I am doing before you,” the Sovereign declared during his address. Monaco thus joins more than 150 countries that have already taken this diplomatic step.
Here is the transcript in English
Dear co-Chairs,
President of the General Assembly, Secretary General of the United Nations, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I wish to thank France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for having convened this conference and invited us to it.
Since the very beginning, we have spoken out as the principality of Monaco loud and clear to defend indissociable rights that of Israel to live within safe and recognized borders and to enjoy security therein and the right of the Palestinian people to have a sovereign, viable and democratic state. Today, we wish to reaffirm our unwavering support to Israel’s existence. And we also wish to recognize Palestine as a state under international law.
That is what I’m doing here before you now.
The 7th of October 2023 was in its full horror the starting point of the current chaos. It is now more than urgent, more urgent than ever before, to move towards a tangible, balanced and sustainable solution based on mutual recognition and the respect for fundamental rights. It is as soon as all hostages have been released and as soon as Hamas has been disarmed.
Peace cannot remain a dim prospect on the distant horizon. It must be given its lifeblood in institutions with mutual guarantees and ensuring the effective respect for everyone’s rights.
The Principality of Monaco is aware of its place in the House of Nations. We continue to affirm that only a solution based on the existence of two national entities living side-by-side in dignity and mutual respect will pave the way towards lasting stability.
Peace cannot be issued by decree. It is built through common will. Thank you.
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