United Nations Radio

A call to stabilize the situation on the ground in the West Bank and Gaza, and ensure an intensification of the peace process on all tracks.

UN Secretarry-General Ban Ki-moon

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told a Ministerial-level meeting of the Security Council on the Situation in the Middle East that all must maintain the unity and redouble efforts-Israelis and Palestinians; the regional countries and the Arab League as a whole; the Quartet, including the incoming US Administration; and the Security Council.
The secretary-general says the negotiations that started 13 months ago since the signing of the Annapolis agreement must be seen all the way through to a conclusion.

"We know what that conclusion must be. The occupation that began in 1967 must end. All people in the Middle East should be able to enjoy peace and full security. Palestinians must see the establishment of a State of Palestine alongside Israel, to co-exist with it in peace and security. And Israel and the Arab world must come to live together in a comprehensive regional peace."

Secretary-General Ban hopes the Security Council acts to help "set us firmly, finally and irreversibly on the path to peace in the Middle East".

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

(duration: 1'16")