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In Israel Ban expresses support for negotiations
After visiting the West Bank on Saturday, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon traveled to Jerusalem where he met with Israeli president Shimon Peres.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon meets with Israeli President Shimon Peres in Jerusalem
Mr. Ban, fresh from taking part in Friday's meeting of the Middle East Quartet in Moscow, said he was bringing the clear message from the Quartet, made up of the UN, Russia, the United States and the European Union, that negotiations towards a two-state solution are the only way for Israelis and Palestinians to realize their rights and aspirations.
The Secretary-General urged both the Israeli and Palestinian leadership to take advantage of US efforts to facilitate proximity talks leading eventually to the full resumption of Middle East peace talks.
Ahead of his visit to Gaza on Sunday, the Secretary-General acknowledged Israeli steps to allow civilian recovery projects in Gaza, which he said enabled him to bring a small message of hope to the people there. But he said Israel's blockade continued to cause undue suffering.
" I understand and share Israel's concerns about the security challenges posed by Hamas. But Israel's blockade continues to impose unacceptable hardship while empowering extremists. I am confident that the blockade can be lifted while addressing Israel's legitimate security concerns. In Gaza, I will also repeat my call on Palestinian militants to immediately end rocket fire and to release Gilad Shalit on humanitarian grounds."
At a dinner in Jerusalem on Saturday hosted by Israeli President Shimon Peres, Mr. Ban said he had always been and would continue to be fair, objective and open-minded in working together with the international community to bring peace to the Middle East.
Diane Bailey, United Nations
Duration: 1'55
