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Ban voices concern over plans for further settlements as he meets Israeli leader

Ban voices concern over plans for further settlements as he meets Israeli leader

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (right) meets with Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel (file photo)
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, today discussed the ongoing efforts to move the Middle East peace process forward, with Mr. Ban expressing concern over plans to build more Jewish settlements in East Jerusalem.

“The Secretary-General emphasized that it was vital to break the current diplomatic stalemate, resume negotiations and produce results,” Mr. Ban's spokesperson said in a statement.

Mr. Ban and Mr. Netanyahu also discussed the latest report on Security Council Resolution 1701, which was aimed at ending the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The discussions also touched on the current proposals on the issue of the village of Ghajar, the northern part of which is occupied by Israel.

The Secretary-General expressed hope that Israel will take further measures to ease the movement of people and goods to and from Gaza.

Mr. Ban and Mr. Netanyahu also reviewed the regional situation, including Iran, the spokesperson said.