Ban Ki-moon urges peaceful solution at UN meeting on Question of Palestine

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called for a peaceful and negotiated two-state solution as the UN Committee opened the UN African Meeting on the Question of Palestine today in Pretoria with the South African Government’s support.

“A viable and independent Palestine and a safe and secure Israel would not only be a blessing for the two peoples, but would also help promote peace and stability in the wider region,” Mr. Ban said in a message delivered by Tuliameni Kalomoh, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs.

He said that he is encouraged by recent international and regional efforts to spur action on the Middle East peace process, while pointing out that challenges remain.

“The United Nations will continue to support international efforts aimed at bringing an end to the occupation that began forty years ago, and achieving a two-state solution,” he added.

The two-day gathering sponsored by the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People Africa will be followed on 11 May by the UN Public Forum in Support of Israeli-Palestinian Peace, to be held at the University of Pretoria.

Under the theme “African solidarity with the Palestinian people for the achievement of its inalienable rights,” the gathering aims to “encourage broad international action, including by African States, in support of achieving a viable Israeli-Palestinian peace,” the Committee said in a news release.

Among those invited to participate are internationally renowned experts, including Israelis and Palestinians, diplomats, parliamentarians, representatives of the UN system and other intergovernmental organizations, and representatives of civil society and the media.