Armenia does believe that only two independent neighbor states can  guarantee long-lasting peace and prosperity for both Palestinian and  Israeli peoples - RA Deputy FM

ArmInfo. On July 29, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia Vahan Kostanyan participated and delivered a speech at the High-level international conference for the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, organized at the UN Headquarters in New York under the co-chairmanship of France and  Saudi Arabia.  In his remarks, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs  of Armenia noted:

"Honorable Co-Chairs,

Excellences, distinguished delegates,

I would like to start by thanking France and Saudi Arabia for  initiating this conference on the implementation of the Two-State  Solution in the time when it is most needed to pave the way for a  lasting peace in the Middle East.

Armenia does believe that only two independent neighbor states can  guarantee long-lasting stability, security, peace and prosperity for  both Palestinian and also Israeli people, where all enjoy the  benefits of peaceful co-existence. With this in mind, being always a  supporter of the two-state solution, in June 2024 Armenia recognized  the State of Palestine and later under the auspices of the 79th  session of UNGA established diplomatic relations.

In this regard, Armenia welcomes the announcement of President of  France Emmanuel Macron and the recent statement by the UK on  intention to recognize the independence of the State of Palestine. We  are also particularly proud that Foreign Ministers of France and  Palestine had a chance to meet in Armenia in the margins of the  Yerevan dialogue diplomatic forum, paving a way for this historic  development.

Based on our own experience Armenia clearly knows what the horror of  war is. Despite the limited resources we have been trying to support  the needs of Palestinian people. Based on the agreement between the  President of Egypt and the Prime-Minister of Armenia we sent  humanitarian aid to Gaza, we do also support the activities of UNRWA.  Taking the chance, allow me also to announce that we reached an  agreement with Palestine that the Matenadaran-Armenian institute of  ancient manuscripts will temporarily become a shelter for Palestinian  endangered cultural heritage.  

Armenia also emphasizes the importance of ensuring the safety,  security, and full rights of Christian communities in both states. As  one of the world's oldest Christian nations, we attach particular  significance to the preservation of the Christian heritage in the  Holy Land. Armenia hopes that the historic Status Quo arrangements  governing the Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and beyond will be  fully respected, as a cornerstone of interreligious harmony and  peaceful coexistence.

Mr. Co-Chair

Ever since the 7 October 2023 horrendous attack with unspeakable  scenes of violence, slaughter and hostage taking, which we condemn in  the strongest terms, we have been witnessing the worst escalation in  the region, with terrible tragedy unfolding for millions of innocent  civilians, women, children and elderly.  All the calamities that we  are witnessing have a clear solution. The hostilities should stop,  the ceasefire should be put in place and reinforced to prevent  further bloodshed, all detainees and hostages should be immediately  and unconditionally released, while ensuring the flow of humanitarian  aid and relief. Most importantly the negotiations should be  considered the only and viable way of securing a lasting and  dignified peace in the Middle East rested on the Two-State Solution.

Allow me to conclude by thanking once again France and Saudi-Arabia  for leading this important conference and expressing our strong  support, as a nation, which is part of the fabric of the region, for  lasting peace and prosperity in the Middle East.

Thank you!"