Albert II, Prince of Monaco speaks during a United Nations Summit on Palestinians at UN headquarters during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. AFP
Below is the full text of the speech by Albert II, Prince of Monaco:
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 urgent than ever before to move towards a tangible, balanced, and sustainable solution based on mutual recognition and the respect for fundamental rights—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.
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