UN General Assembly
2007

madness, as the acronym itself suggests. Our scientists have developed Frankenstein’s monsters that may well destroy us all either by design, if the weapons fall into the hands of non-State actors, or by accident. Concerning the death penalty, Timor-Leste is part of a cross-regional initiative calling for a moratorium. We note that the trend towards the worldwide abolition of the death penalty continues. As for the situation in Darfur, Timor-Leste commends the African Union, the United Nations, all those in Government and those individuals who have done their very best to end the suffering of the people in that region suffering that is now compounded by natural calamity. In the midst of such a tragedy, we can find some consolation and inspiration as we see millions of people around the world crossing the boundaries of religions and cultures and joining together in solidarity with the victims of Darfur. I now turn to the situation in Palestine. As a small and newly independent nation and a friend of Israel, Timor-Leste cannot remain indifferent to the suffering