Statement By Mr. Mahdi ALIABADI Deputy Permanent Representative of the I. R. of Iran in Geneva On the Issue of Palestine’s Participation In the Work of Conference on Disarmament CD Plenary Meeting Geneva, 1 February 2024   Thank you Mr. President for giving me the floor, At the outset let me appreciate you for all the efforts you have made to address this important issue.  Associating my country with the G21 statement delivered by the distinguished representative of Vietnam, I would like to make the following remarks in my national capacity. The Islamic Republic of Iran attaches a great importance to the multilateralism and inclusivity in the work of the conference on disarmament and supports the participation of non-member states to the proceedings of the conference to fulfil its mandate based on the final document of the First Special Session of the General Assembly Devoted to Disarmament. CD’s relevant rules of procedure are quite clear. Based on the relevant rules of procedure, non-member states have a right to request for participation in the activities of the conference. The state of Palestine as a non-member observer state to the UN and a state party to various international instruments on disarmament has a right to request to participate in the CD’s Proceedings. It is regrettable to witness that once again, the double standards exercised in this august body by members advocating the inclusivity and multilateralism, blocked the participation of state of Palestine in our work. Iran deeply rejects double standards and discriminatory practices in the work of the Conference conducted by some certain states. We strongly reject the erroneous argument by the United States that the state of Palestine is not entitled to apply for the observer ship in this body. The State of Palestine has a legitimate right to request for observer ship to the conference on disarmament. The overwhelming majority of the United Nations have recognized the State of Palestine and supported its participation in international organizations. The support, which has been shown on many occasions, including in this body. Palestine has such a status in many international organizations and, in particular, in disarmament instruments such as the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and Convention on Certain Weapons (CCW). The rejection of the request of the state of Palestine was clearly a blatant act of unilateralism, preventing the people of Palestine from having self-determination and the right to be part of the international community, and it is strongly deplorable. I thank you!