Affirming vision of two States – Israel and Palestine – Security Council urges talks

Affirming a vision of the Middle East as a region “where two States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side within secure and recognized borders,” the Security Council has demanded an end to the violence while calling on the two sides to take steps towards resuming negotiations.

In a resolution adopted just before midnight on Tuesday by a vote of 14 in favour to none against with Syria abstaining, the Council voiced its demand for the immediate cessation of “all acts of terror, provocation, incitement and destruction.”

The Israeli and Palestinian sides and their leaders were called on to cooperate in the implementation of the Tenet work plan, which outlines steps for a ceasefire, and the Mitchell Report recommendations, which detail measures towards peace talks, with the aim of resuming negotiations on a political settlement.

The resolution also expressed support for the efforts of United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan – who had briefed the Council earlier on Tuesday on the grave situation in the Middle East – and others “to assist the parties to halt the violence and to resume the peace process.”

The Council encouraged the diplomatic efforts of special envoys from the United States, the Russian Federation and the European Union, as well as the UN Special Coordinator and others “to bring about a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East.” The resolution also welcomed the contribution of Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah.

Explaining his country’s decision to abstain on the voting, Syria’s representative, Mikhail Wehbe, said the resolution did not deal with the root question – the Israeli occupation – and treated the killer and the victim equally.