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

February 26, 2010

UGANDA:  Thank you, Mr. President.  The peace process in the Middle East is at a delicate and a critical juncture.  There is an urgent need for practical steps on the ground to be taken towards resumption of negotiations.  Uganda voted in favor of this resolution because we are convinced that the international community should encourage the parties to undertake their own credible investigations into the conduct of the Gaza conference.
We are convinced that these investigations can contribute positively to the healing and the confidence-building which is so essential at this point in time in the Middle East.  This is the understanding with which we have supported today's resolution.  It does not in any way change our previous position of abstention with risk to resolution step 4/10.  
Finally Mr. President, all parties in the Middle East need to take concrete steps to restart peace negotiations.  Uganda will continue to support the efforts by all parties to achieve comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East.  I thank you Mr. President.