India committed to Palestinian cause, says S.M. Krishna

New Delhi, Aug.4 (ANI): India on Thursday reiterated its commitment to the Palestinian cause and described it as "an important component of its long established foreign policy".

Stating in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha that India's commitment to the Palestinian cause is an important component of our long established foreign policy, Union External Affairs Minister S.M.Krishna said: "We share the perception that the conflict in West Asia is essentially political in nature and cannot be resolved by force."

"In line with our support for UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, India supports a negotiated solution resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders, side by side at peace with Israel as endorsed in the Quartet Roadmap and UNSC Resolutions 1397 and 1515. India has supported the Arab Peace Plan, which calls for withdrawal of Israel to pre-1967 borders, along with recognition of Israel and the establishment of the State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital," he stated.

"India has called for an early and significant easing of restrictions on the free movement of persons and goods within Palestine," he added.

During the visit of President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine National Authority on 11 February 2010, Prime Minister had reiterated India's commitment to the Palestinian cause and urged concerted action for achieving a durable, just and comprehensive settlement of the Middle East conflict.

During the India-Brazil-South Africa Summit (IBSA) in Brasilia, the Ministers of IBSA issued a joint communiqué on 15 April 2010 on the situation in the Middle East that, inter alia, stated that concerned by the continuing deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the Ministers called on Israel to alleviate circulation restrictions on the movement of people and goods, both in Gaza and in the West Bank.

"It is our firm conviction that lasting peace and security in the region can be achieved only through peaceful dialogue and not through use of force," stated Krishna in his reply. (ANI)