Explanation of Vote 
on 
Draft Resolution A/64/L.48 on the Goldstone Report 

February 26, 2010

PANAMA:  Mr. President, today the United Nations General Assembly has approved the draft resolution A/64/L48, followup to the report of the United Nations fact-finding mission on the Gaza conflict.  This new draft following up resolution RS-64/10 of 5, November 2010 has the same lack of objectivity.  Hence, the Republic of Panama has voted against this and we shall remain against a document without the considerations of due process.
This resolution, which has been approved again, looking at Operative Paragraphs three and four of the previous resolution, once again urges the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority to carry out independent, worthy and suitable investigations with regard to the violation of international humanitarian law.  The Republic of Panama is entirely in agreement with these fair requests.  The problem is that both of these resolutions prejudge the results of the investigations to be carried out, both by the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority.  
On the basis of this document, both parties to the conflict have been declared guilty beforehand without the balance that is appropriate for this delicate issue.  The test of the resolution anticipates the outcome, indicates that those responsible should be accountable and be brought to justice.  This cannot be done on the basis of a resolution with the text prejudging the results.  
It's logical that this premature condemnation will not lead to what we all require, a peace process respecting international law and the rights of both peoples to live in peace, justice and harmony.  Panama on every occasion has upheld the principles of the United Nations' charter and defended the standards and principles which are relevant in international humanitarian law.  Hence, Panama will never change in its position in a case which appears to be more an inquisition rather than a search for what is fair and just.
Let it be perfectly clear sir that this is a vote not against our Palestinian brothers.  Neither is it a vote in favor of our Israeli brothers.  It is a vote for justice and impartiality.  Panama, once again, reiterates the fact that the investigative process must be just, objective and reliable.  Hence, we have voted against the resolution.  Thank you.