WORLD / AMERICAS
UN chief reiterates two-state solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Published: Dec 02, 2020 02:16 PM

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses a high-level UN meeting to mark the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons at the UN headquarters in New York, on Oct. 2, 2020. (Rick Bajornas/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)


 
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday reiterated the world body's position of two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"I hope that recent developments will encourage Palestinian and Israeli leaders to re-engage in meaningful negotiations, with the support of the international community, toward a two-state solution and will create opportunities for regional cooperation," the UN chief told a virtual meeting marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, which falls on Nov. 29, after talking about both the positive and negative developments regarding the situation between the two states in conflict for decades.

"Only a two-state solution that realizes the legitimate national aspirations of Palestinians and Israelis can lead to sustainable peace," the secretary-general noted.

"The United Nations remains committed to supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict," he added.

The top UN official said that the position of the United Nations is defined by resolutions of the Security Council and General Assembly as well as international law and bilateral agreements. The framework capable of realizing the legitimate aspirations of both peoples is one of two states, living side-by-side in peace and security, based on the 1967 borders, and with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.

"On this International Day of Solidarity, let us renew our commitment to the Palestinian people in their quest to achieve their inalienable rights and build a future of peace, justice, security and dignity," said the secretary-general.