Chairmanship of the Group of 77

INTERVENTION ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA BY MR MAJED BAMYA, FIRST COUNSELLOR, MISSION OF THE STATE OF PALESTINE, AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE GENERAL DISCUSSION ON THE ORGANIZATION OF WORK FOR THE SECOND PART OF THE RESUMED SEVENTY-THIRD SESSION OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE OF THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY (New York, 6 May 2019)

Madam Chair,

Since there were questions raised regarding the Chairmanship of the Group of 77 and China, let me clarify the following points:

First, it is the prerogative of the Group of 77 and China to designate and elect its Chair and we are honoured that they have decided to entrust the State of Palestine with this great responsibility.

Second, conscious that additional rights were required for the State of Palestine to be able to perform the duties of the Chair, we reverted back to the General Assembly as G-77 and China and submitted a resolution that enjoyed wide support. Resolution 73/5 provided the State of Palestine with additional rights in the exercise of its duties as Chair of the Group of 77 and China for the year 2019.

Third, relations for all of us are governed by the Charter, by the rules of procedure, by UN resolutions. We are committed to upholding the provisions of these different instruments and you can count on us not to seek anything more but also not to accept anything else.

Fourth, we acknowledge that certain States do not recognize the State of Palestine. We accept that bilateral relations between the State of Palestine and Member States of the UN are different from one State to the other. But we have made a pledge and reiterate here that we will act in our capacity as Chair of the Group of 77 and China with all States in the same manner and with the same constructive approach; those who have recognized the State of Palestine and those who have not; those with whom we enjoy the best of bilateral relations and those with whom we have difficulties. These matters have no implications on our relations and our role as Chair of the Group of 77 and China. This is our responsibility towards our Group and our responsibility as an active and responsible actor in the United Nations.

I believe we had a very constructive engagement with all delegations during the first resumed session, and we truly hope that we will have the same quality of relations during the second resumed session. You can be assured that the State of Palestine will do its best to keep it that way.

Thank you, Madam Chair.