UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed Friday’s adoption of a Security Council resolution, which stated that the establishment of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, was illegal.
The Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ban, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, described the Security Council’s resolution on Israeli settlements as a “significant step”.
NAN reports that the Council, in the resolution, said Israeli settlements have “no legal validity,” it constitutes a “flagrant violation” under international law and is a “major obstacle” to a two-State solution and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.
“The resolution is a significant step, demonstrating the Council’s much needed leadership and the international community’s collective efforts to reconfirm that the vision of two States is still achievable.
“The secretary-general takes this opportunity to encourage Israeli and Palestinian leaders to work with the international community to create a conducive environment for a return to meaningful negotiations.
“The UN stands ready to support all concerned parties in achieving this goal,” the UN chief said.
NAN reports that the 15-member Council adopted the resolution by a vote of 14 in favour and with one abstention, the U.S. abstained from the vote.
The resolution had been put forward by Malaysia, New Zealand, Senegal and Venezuela.
In the resolution, the Council reiterated its demand that Israel “immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and that it fully respects all of its legal obligations in this regard.”
The Council also stressed that it would not recognise any changes to the June 4, 1967 lines, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the parties through negotiations.
The resolution called for immediate steps to prevent all acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terror, as well as all acts of provocation and destruction, and for accountability in that regard.
In addition, the resolution emphasised the need for both Israel and Palestinian to act on the basis of international law, including international humanitarian law, and previous agreements and obligations.
To observe calm and restraint, and to refrain from provocative actions, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric.
It further called for compliance with obligations under international law for the strengthening of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, including through existing security coordination, and to clearly condemn all acts of terrorism.
The Council also called for intensification and acceleration of international and regional diplomatic efforts and support aimed at achieving, without delay a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East on the basis of the relevant UN resolutions.
The resolution further urged respect for
the Madrid terms of reference, including the principle of land for peace, the Arab Peace Initiative and the Quartet Roadmap, and an end to the Israeli occupation that began in 1967.
NAN reports that the resolution, which was earlier introduced by Egypt on Thursday, was withdrawn at the last minute following pressure from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
Trump had also called on the U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Ms Samantha Power, to ensure that the U.S. vetoed the resolution.
However, Power said the President Barack Obama’s administration had always maintained the U.S. support for a two-State solution in the interest of peace and security in the Middle East region, and had decided to maintain neutrality on Friday’s resolution. (NAN)