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"There is no justification for directing violence at civilians," India's deputy permanent representative to the United Nation, A Gopinathan, said on Tuesday, intervening in the debate in Security Council on the situation in West Asia.
Urging both Israelis and Palestinians to implement the Council resolutions, he said: "Israel must withdraw its forces from occupied territories immediately and there should be a ceasefire, followed by the resumption of negotiations."
He also demanded lifting of restriction imposed by Israel on Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat so that he could play his "rightful role" in the region.
Gopinathan said Arafat's well-being and safety were of concern to the international community.
This was the third debate by the Council on the issue since March 29 and speaker after speaker demanded Israeli withdrawal and several asked for some kind of monitoring mechanism.
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