Ban reiterates the urgency for Palestinians and Israelis to intensify efforts towards peace
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Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Sixty five years after the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proposing the partition of the mandate territory into two States, "this vision of a two-state solution remains tragically unfulfilled".
That's what Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in remarks marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is being observed Thursday 29 November.
The Secretary-General stressed that the Middle East was changing rapidly and profoundly. And he warned that it is more urgent than ever for the international community and the parties –Israelis and Palestinians- to intensify efforts towards peace.
"What is needed now is political will and courage. Leaders must show a sense of historic responsibility and vision. Israelis and Palestinians must break out of a zero-sum mentality, and embrace a peaceful path forward. That is the best hope for both peoples."
Secretary-General Ban says much work lies ahead to create the conditions for the resumption of meaningful negotiations and to preserve the viability of the two-state solution. He suggests that final status issues can be resolved only through direct negotiations, noting that violence is not the way; it only breeds more hatred and bitterness.
Donn Bobb, United Nations
Duration: 1’14″
