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

AUSTRALIA:  Thank you, Mr. President.  Australia was deeply saddened by the events of December 2008, January 2009 in the Gaza Strip and southern Israel.  As we have made clear in a number of occasions in the General Assembly, in the Security Council and in the Human Rights Commission, Australia supports the proper investigation of allegations of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law during that conflict.  
We voted against resolution 64/10 last November because of a number of concerns arising from the language of that text and because of the flawed nature of the Goldstone report that the resolution was based on.  We have decided to abstain on today's resolution because we recognize that it reflects genuine efforts to overcome differences and because it concentrates on the need for the investigations arising from the Gaza conflict which are essential.
Our vote on today's resolution, however, does not change the continuing concerns we hold about the lack of balance in the scope of and the recommendations of the Goldstone report, nor our strong preference that the parties be allowed sufficient time to pursue their investigations.  We believe it is vital that discussions relating to Goldstone remain constructive.  It is important to work to bring the parties together, rather than drive them apart through unhelpful rhetoric or actions.
We also believe that now is not the time to convene a conference of the high-contracting parties to the fourth Geneva Convention.  Doing so would result in a politicized debate, which would be counterproductive (we think) to peace efforts.  Indeed, Australia firmly believes that the current situation of ongoing conflict, insecurity and uncertainty is neither acceptable nor in the interests of Israel, the Palestinians, the Middle East region or the broader international community and we urge the parties, all parties, to resume peace negotiations as a matter of compelling urgency.  Thank you.