India again seeks comprehensive peace in West Asia

United Nations, Oct 31 (UNI) India has reiterated its demand for a comprehensive peace process in West Asia, including proper rehabilitation of Palestinian refugees.

Member of Parliament Rajiv Shukla spoke yesterday on 'Agenda Item 29: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East' at the 63rd session of the UN General Assembly.

He said, ''The only solution to the problem of the Palestinian refugees is a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the longstanding conflict in West Asia.'' Calling upon the comity of nations to help solve the vexed West Asia conflict, the MP said till a mutually acceptable peace was in place, it should be incumbent to support United Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) as the primary source of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian refugees.

But Mr Shukla cited the financial crisis faced by UNRWA. ''There is an urgent need for greater international effort to ease UNRWA's fiscal burden,'' he noted.

He, however, expressed India's appreciation to the commissioner general of the UNRWA, in particular its work over the past year in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

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