20 July 2018
The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today’s noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General.
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*Questions and Answers
Question: Thanks, Farhan. Just following up on a question I posed yesterday about the Israeli nation-state law. Does the SG have any comments or concerns regarding this law?
Deputy Spokesman: What I can say is that we’ve taken note of the passing of the so-called nationality law by the Israeli Knesset. We reaffirm the United Nations’ respect for the sovereignty of States to define their constitutional character while emphasizing the need for all States to adhere to universal human rights principles, including the protection of minority rights. We reiterate that a negotiated two-State outcome of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, in line with United Nations resolutions and previous agreements, is the only way to achieve enduring peace that resolves all permanent status issues and realises the national aspirations of both peoples. And we call once more on all parties to refrain from unilateral moves that undermine the two-State solution.
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Document Sources: Secretary-General
Country: Israel
Subject: Human rights and international humanitarian law, Legal issues
Publication Date: 20/07/2018
URL source: http://www.un.org/press/en/2018/db180720.doc.htm