Negotiations are the only way for Israel and Palestinians: Ban Ki-moon
09/09/2010
Negotiations are the only way for Israel and the Palestinians to resolve all final status issues and realize their aspirations, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reiterated on Thursday.
The comments follow the meeting with Senator George Mitchel, the United States envoy for the Middle East who provided an overview of the first round of direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.
Mr. Ban said he underlined the need for a broad international support for this process, including the role of the United Nations and the Quartet.
"I look forward to meeting Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas during the General Assembly. I also underscored the need for an end to violence, and to extend and expand the scope of the Israeli Government's settlement restraint. On Gaza, the international community needs to continue pushing for further measures to ease closures and address the needs of the population."
The Secretary-General commended President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Senator Mitchell "for their tireless work in this effort, and for working so closely with the United Nations."
Charles Appel, United Nations Radio
Duration: 1'09"
Sound bites
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
"I look forward to meeting Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas during the General Assembly. I also underscored the need for an end to violence, and to extend and expand the scope of the Israeli Government's settlement restraint. On Gaza, the international community needs to continue pushing for further measures to ease closures and address the needs of the population."
Duration: 25"
Document Sources: Human Rights Council, United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI)
Country: South Africa
Subject: Peace process, Peace proposals and efforts, Settlements
Publication Date: 09/09/2010