Unofficial transcript 
Agenda item 37 “Question of Palestine”, November 29, 2012

DENMARK:  Thank you, Mr. Vice President.  This very day 65 years ago in this assembly, Denmark voted in favor of the establishment of two states in the former mandate of Palestine.  Today, by voting in favor of the draft resolution, we reaffirm our commitment to a two-state solution with a state of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable state of Palestine living side by side in peace and security, a commitment we share with the rest of the European Union.  
Denmark has consistently stood by Israel and its inherent right to self-defense in accordance with international law.  We have also supported the Palestinian right to statehood and the building of the Palestinian Authority.  This achievement deserves our full acknowledgement and we will continue to contribute to building the institutions of a sovereign state of Palestine.  
In this regard, Denmark calls on all Palestinians to support President Abbas in his efforts to promote Palestinian reconciliation as an important element for the unity of a future Palestinian state.  While welcoming last week's ceasefire agreement, the sudden escalation of conflict in Gaza highlights the urgent necessity to move forward a comprehensive solution to the conflict.  We strongly appeal to both sides to build on today's decision and to assume direct bilateral negotiations immediately and without conditions on all final status issues, respecting previous agreements and understandings.  
Only a political solution to the conflict can bring lasting security.  At the same time, we also appeal to the parties to refrain from any steps which could negatively affect the situation and the efforts towards a negotiated solution.  The time to heed the call in resolution 181 adopted 65 years ago of creating two states is long overdue.  
The resolution adopted today henceforth according Palestine nonmember observer status in the United Nations General Assembly is a natural continuation of our firm support for a two-state solution and for Palestinian state building.  Our vote, however, does not entail the formal bilateral recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state.  This is a separate question which we will continue to consider within the framework set out by international law.  I thank you.