"The real question we face is not whether the Palestinians will raise a flag, but whether the United Nations will raise a white flag – and surrender the principles of this institution itself...
In my four years, I have seen hypocrisy, I have seen duplicity, and I have seen a triple standard: One for democracies, one for dictatorships, and a special standard designed only for Israel. I thought I had seen everything. But I have to admit, this time, the Palestinians managed to take cynicism to a whole new level...
In my time here, I have learned that there is one delegation that all of those rules and procedures don't apply to. Again and again, the Palestinians seem to be able to do whatever they want, and are free to act with impunity. In short, they have learned that the more they say no, the more the international community says yes to their every whim and caprice.
So it is no surprise that the Palestinians show no regard for the values of this institution, and that they cynically manipulate the UN to score political points. Time and again, the Palestinians use and abuse the UN. The sad part is, that you – you in this chamber – allow them to get away with it...
When they introduced their initiative, the Palestinians informed member states that the Vatican was a partner in their plan. Apparently, the Vatican did not get the memo.
This blatant lie was exposed to all by the media. As a matter of fact, the Vatican declared that they are not a partner to this initiative, they didn't ask for it, and they have no aspiration to raise their flag at the UN.
The Palestinians were caught red-handed violating every principle of honesty and integrity we all hold dear.
Yet, despite this brazen deception, which every delegation in this chamber knows of, many of you here still voted to adopt this resolution.
Voting yes on this resolution means that when it comes to the Palestinians, the standard rules no longer apply. More important than whether you permit the Palestinians to fly a flag is whether you permit them to undermine the rules and procedures, and, ultimately, the credibility of this institution.
How ironic is it that this resolution was considered under the agenda item 'Strengthening of the UN System', when it clearly weakens and undermines the UN...
Apparently the EU's principle of maintaining a holy consensus cannot withstand Palestinian pressure. Yet, they stand firm when their consensus is against Israel.
However, no vote can turn an empty symbolic gesture into a state. The international community must make it clear to the Palestinians that the only way to achieve statehood is through direct negotiations. As long as the Palestinians believe that they can achieve their political goals without making concessions, they will continue to avoid taking the difficult decisions needed for peace...
Enough with empty symbols. Enough with political showmanship. Enough with hijacking the UN agenda. Stop stalling, and start negotiating..."