The UN remains deeply concerned at the current stalemate in the Middle East peace process

United Nations, New York, 18 February 2010 - The United Nations remains deeply concerned at the current stalemate in the Middle East peace process, the world bodys political chief said today (18 February), voicing the hope that both the Israelis and the Palestinians will accept a proposal put forward to restart talks.

Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs B. Lynn Pascoe said a proposal from United States envoy George Mitchell to the parties to begin indirect talks with US mediation is currently under serious consideration. Israel has indicated its readiness to work on this basis, while Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is still seeking clarifications.

Pascoe in his briefing to the Security Council said that the UN continues to stress the importance of establishing a clear time frame to an agreement resolving all final status issues, including Jerusalem, borders, refugees, security, settlements and water.

He added that the international consensus on what it takes to reach a sustainable agreement is strong, and that an active Quartet will be vital to support the process, referring to the diplomatic grouping comprising the UN, the European Union, Russia and the US that backs the Roadmap the plan for a two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Pascoe reported that there have been no new demolitions of Palestinian homes or evictions in East Jerusalem, which he called a positive development. He stressed that the status of Jerusalem is to be determined through negotiations and that a way must be found for Jerusalem to emerge as the capital of two States.

The Under-Secretary-General called for the implementation of Roadmap commitments, continued efforts to improve economic and security conditions, and a renewed approach to Gaza, where closures imposed by Israel remain in place.

He said that while an average of some 560 trucks enter Gaza on a weekly basis, the scale and quantity of goods coming in through the Israeli crossings, as well as the level of exports, remains far short of requirements. He also expressed disappointment that there has been no satisfactory Israeli response to the UNs proposal to complete stalled projects for housing, schools and health facilities.

While noting what he said were legitimate Israeli and Palestinian security concerns, Pascoe stressed that sustainable security will best be achieved by intensified cooperation, the continued empowerment of Palestinian Authority security efforts and performance, and the curtailment of incursions by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) into Palestinian areas.

It will also be aided, he added, by full respect for legitimate non-violent protest, Israeli action to curb settler violence, Palestinian action against incitement, and progress in both political negotiations and economic development.

Pascoe concluded by saying that the UN remains committed to an end to the occupation that began in 1967 and an end to the conflict, through the creation of an independent Palestinian State living side by side with Israel in Peace and Security.

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• UN
• Security council
• B Lynn Pascoe
• Under-Secretary-General
• Palestine
• Israel

[taniahuot]

AWESOME vid! wish I can go to Jerusalem

[EncompassedRunner]

Jerusalem should not even by on the table, it's only been the capital of Israel, Israel never surrendered it, Jordan was illegally occupying it when they lost it in '67 after attacking Israel, which acted in self-defense.