UN General Assembly
2011

own citizens in an attempt to crush their legitimate call for freedom. I urge all members of the Security Council to act decisively and agree on targeted sanctions against the regime. Freedom and security are also key issues in the Middle East peace process. If we do want peace, we need direct negotiations now, not new resolutions at the United Nations. The Netherlands endorses the time frame outlined by the Quartet and stands ready to assist wherever it can. We are a major donor to the Palestinian Authority. We fully support the ambition of the Palestinian people to build a viable, democratic and peaceful Palestinian State. However, this cannot be viewed separately from the Israeli people’s desire to live in a secure, internationally recognized Jewish State in peace with their neighbours. It is really essential that the two parties invest in mutual confidence, refrain from unilateral steps and find a solution together. They should be prepared to make the difficult and painful concessions necessary for the fulfilment of their peoples’ aspirations. I talked