Israeli settlement activities illegal: UN chief
March 28th, 2010 - 1:53 am ICT by IANSSirte (Libya), March 27 (IANS) UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Saturday Israeli settlement activities in East Jerusalem are illegal and against the international law, Xinhua reported.
In a speech at the opening session of the 22nd Arab Summit, the UN chief said the significance of Jerusalem should be respected as a capital for both Israel and the future Palestinian state.
“Whatever our concerns, there is no alternative to negotiations for a two-state solution,” Ban said.
“Jerusalem’s significance to all must be respected, and it should emerge from negotiations as the capital of two states.”
He also urged the Arabs to support proximity talks between the Palestinians and the Israelis to lead to direct negotiations to end the conflict, expressing his concern of the recent Israeli escalation of hostility in the besieged Gaza Strip.
“I urge you to support efforts to start proximity talks and direct negotiations. Our common goal should be to resolve all final status issues within 24 months,” he said.
- UN envoy slams Israel's plan for new housing in East Jerusalem - Aug 12, 2011
- Israel should open Gaza crossings: EU - Jul 19, 2010
- Ban tells Israel of concern over East Jerusalem, Gaza - Feb 25, 2010
- Israel to allow UN chief, EU envoy to enter Gaza - Mar 09, 2010
- Israel nod for Quartet peace plan, urges Palestinian acceptance - Oct 02, 2011
- Palestinian official accuses Blair of bias towards Israel - Oct 02, 2011
- UN chief asks Israel, Palestine to continue proximity talks - Jun 29, 2010
- Israel should meet its obligations to revive peace: Abbas - Dec 31, 2011
- UN chief in West Bank to push for peace talks - Mar 20, 2010
- Arab League for direct Israeli-Palestinian peace talks - Jul 30, 2010
- Netanyahu discusses peace moves with Jordan king - Jul 27, 2010
- IBSA hopes Middle East, north Africa changes will be peaceful - Mar 08, 2011
- India reiterates 'unequivocal support' for Palestinian state - Sep 23, 2011
- Palestine applies for UN membership - Sep 24, 2011
- Israel may resolve Middle East crisis unilaterally: Minister - May 31, 2012
Tags: arab summit, arabs, ban ki moon, common goal, east jerusalem, gaza strip, hostility, israeli escalation, israeli settlement, israelis, libya, negotiations, palestinian state, palestinians, proximity talks, settlement activities, sirte, two states, un secretary general, xinhua