Ambassador Ferit Hoxha has revealed that at the meeting of the Security Council where the situation in the Middle East including the Palestinian issue was discussed, Albania abstained voting on the draft resolution presented by Russia.

This was done with the argument that the text failed to adequately address all critical issues, including the condemnation of terrorist attacks by Hamas.

Furthermore, he added that the situation is critical and that it requires active diplomacy from regional and international actors.

"At yesterday's SC meeting, Albania abstained from the draft resolution presented by Russia because the text failed to adequately address all critical issues, including the condemnation of terrorist attacks by Hamas. The United Nations Security Council must come together in condemning terrorism, in addressing many of the urgent and critical needs on the ground, including the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and the protection of civilians everywhere.

October 7, 2023 will remain a black day not only for Israel and its people, but also for the world. With its monstrous terrorist acts, Hamas has committed the irreparable. Its horrific crimes have traumatized Israelis, they have terribly and deeply wounded an entire nation, they have defied human conscience. They are and remain unjustifiable and unacceptable. They do not represent any nation or religion, and they do not and cannot support any cause.

Albania recognizes the severity and urgency of the situation on the ground. We recognize the need for the Council to respond and act in fulfilling its core responsibility, on many fronts: to condemn terrorism forcefully as it has always done; in recognizing the right of states to defend themselves as provided for in the UN Charter; always protecting civilians, supporting humanitarian efforts, avoiding further deterioration and any escalation of an already tense, complex and dangerous situation, and charting a clear path to peace, security, progress and dignity for all, Israelis and Palestinians.

We abstained because the submitted text failed to present the full picture and include essential elements on essential issues. We remain hopeful that there is room to continue to remain actively engaged, hoping to make the best use of our time and energies to come together to respond to the many pressing and urgent needs on the ground.

The critical situation does not need competition between texts or protagonism between member states. It requires active diplomacy by regional and international actors, as is happening; and here, in the Council, commitment from everyone and in good faith, let's come together to respond in the best possible way to all imperatives and critical needs on the ground", said the Ambassador.