SecGen remarks on SecCo vote on Israeli settlements – SecGen note

New York, 18 February 2011 – Security Council vote on the Middle East

Action in the Council is a decision for Member States to make. The Secretary-General's position on settlements is well known. Now, we must focus efforts on overcoming the current impasse and creating a conducive environment for progress towards resolving all final status issues. The international community agrees on the urgent need for a negotiated settlement that will end the occupation that started in 1967 and establish an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian State living side by side in peace and security with Israel. We must do all we can to help the parties move forward .

New York, 18 February 2011