UN General Assembly
2001

an independent Palestinian State and for respect for Israel’s right to existence. That would contribute to guaranteeing long-lasting peace and security in the Middle East. Almost every year, the General Assembly has overwhelmingly adopted a resolution on lifting the commercial and economic embargo against the Republic of Cuba. However, those resolutions have not been effectively implemented. The Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic appeals to the United States and Cuba to jointly reach a rapid solution in the interest of the peoples of the two countries, which would contribute to promoting peace and developmental cooperation in the region and the world. On the Korean peninsula, several events have marked the progress made towards the unification of Korea, such as meetings and exchanges of visits of leaders at all levels, reunions of families long kept apart and humanitarian assistance. The Lao Government has followed these developments closely and commends the positive results. Nevertheless, we are deeply concerned about the situation prevailing in the region and hope that under the wise guidance of the