Announcement of the resumption of Middle East peace talks – statement by the FDFA
Bern, 20.07.2013 – The FDFA welcomes that Israel and the Palestinian Authority want to take up direct talks for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the Middle East.
The FDFA welcomes the announcement that peace negotiations will be undertaken and recognises the great efforts made by the US Secretary of State John Kerry in this regard. In particular, the FDFA would like to highlight the flexibility demonstrated by the Israeli government and Palestinian Authority which has made this outcome possible. The FDFA calls on the parties to negotiate seriously and to make the difficult but necessary decisions in order to reach a genuine two-state solution. It also calls on Hamas to play a constructive role in the resumption of peace negotiations.
Switzerland has long advocated for a two-state solution in the Middle East, which it still considers the most suitable approach to ensure a resolution of the conflict, the future of Israel and that of the Palestinian State. This was one of the issues discussed by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter during talks held with representatives of the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority in May 2013.
If requested to do so, Switzerland is prepared to provide support within the context of the peace talks and possible accompanying measures.
Download Document Files: https://unispal.un.org/pdfs/SwissFDFA_MEpeacetalksF.pdf
Document Type: French text, Press Release, Statement
Country: Israel, Switzerland
Subject: Assistance, Peace process, Peace proposals and efforts, Statehood-related
Publication Date: 20/07/2013