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

February 26, 2010

NEW ZEALAND:  Thank you Mr. President.  New Zealand wishes to explain its vote on resolution A/64/L48.  New Zealand has consistently called for investigations into alleged violations of human rights and humanitarian law arising from the conflict in Gaza in December 2008 and January 2009.  We've stated that those investigations should be credible, independent and conducted to internationally accepted standards.
We recognize and appreciate the efforts of Israel so far and the fact that these have been reported to the Secretary General.  And we look forward to Israel and Palestine continuing their efforts.  
New Zealand abstained on the resolution considered by this General Assembly on the 5th of November of last year because it endorsed a Human Rights Council report on a special that included a biased, one-sided resolution which New Zealand could not endorse.  Because there is no such reference in the present resolution, and because we support investigations, we have now joined those voting in favor of this resolution.
Above all, Mr. President, New Zealand seeks a just, enduring, comprehensive peace settlement on the two-state solution with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security.  And we call on the parties to resume negotiations to that end.