The Secretary-General met today in Ramallah with the President and Prime Minister of the State of Palestine, and with the Palestinian Minister for Prisoner Affairs.

With the President of the State of Palestine, H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, the Secretary-General discussed the start of direct negotiations. The Secretary-General praised the leadership of President Abbas and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for starting direct talks, the only means to achieve the two-state solution. He expressed hope that these meetings will lead to a peaceful settlement and a two-state solution.

They also discussed the worrying situation on the ground in the occupied Palestinian territory, including the continuing settlement activity and the vital need for the international community to provide additional support to the Palestinian Authority.

In his meeting with the Prime Minister, H.E. Mr. Rami Hamdallah, they also discussed the direct negotiations.

The Secretary-General also met the Palestinian Minister of Prisoner Affairs, Mr. Isaa Qaraqe. They discussed the status of the Middle East. The Secretary-General expressed concern about the difficult situation of Gazans in Israeli prisons, and the difficulties with family visits.