SINGAPORE — Singapore’s delegation to the United Nations abstained from voting on Palestine’s application for UN observer state status on Thursday (yesterday morning, Singapore time) because “Palestine’s aspirations are not helped as facts on the ground will not be changed”.

Singapore’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Mr Albert Chua, said that, while Singapore supports the right of the Palestinian people to a homeland, “we believe that only a negotiated settlement consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 242 can provide the basis for a viable, long-term solution”.

Among other things, Resolution 242 states the “inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by war and the need to work for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East in which every State in the area can live in security”.

“Both sides have legitimate rights and shared responsibilities, and must be prepared to make compromises to achieve the larger good of a lasting peace,” Mr Chua said.

“It is precisely because the rights and responsibilities of both sides are inextricably intertwined that no unilateral move can result in a just, peaceful and durable outcome.”

Expressing hope that Israel and Palestine will resume negotiations, Mr Chua said: “Singapore will continue to support all international efforts to facilitate a negotiated solution that will be in the long-term interests of Palestine, Israel and the region as a whole.” Amir Hussain