Welcoming Adoption of Security Council Resolution 2334 (2016), Secretary-General Urges Return of Israeli, Palestinian Leaders to Meaningful Negotiations

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the adoption by the Security Council of resolution 2334 (2016) on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.  The resolution is a significant step, demonstrating the Council's much needed leadership and the international community’s collective efforts to reconfirm that the vision of two States is still achievable.

The Secretary-General takes this opportunity to encourage Israeli and Palestinian leaders to work with the international community to create a conducive environment for a return to meaningful negotiations.

The United Nations stands ready to support all concerned parties in achieving this goal.