5-12-09, 9:16 am
Original source: Global times (China)
The UN Security Council adopted a presidential statement on Monday to call for 'renewed and urgent efforts' by the parties and the international community to achieve 'a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East' on the basis of 'the two-state solution.'
The statement, drafted by Russia, was adopted at the end of an open council debate, chaired by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country holds the rotating council presidency for the month of May.
'The Security Council reiterates its call for renewed and urgent efforts by the parties and the international community to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on the vision of a region where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders,' the statement said.
'The Security Council stressed the urgency of reaching comprehensive peace in the Middle East,' the statement said. 'Vigorous diplomatic action is needed to attain the goal set by the international community – lasting peace in the region, based on an enduring commitment to mutual recognition, freedom of violence, incitement and terror, and the two-state solution, building upon previous agreements and obligations.'
'The Security Council further calls upon the parties to fulfill their obligations under the Performance-Based Roadmap refraining from any steps that could undermine confidence or prejudice the outcome of negotiations on all core issues,' he said.
The open debate was held to 'reaffirm the council's involvement in the search for a Middle East settlement' and enable council members to discuss measures to be taken to 'normalize the situation in the region,' Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin told a press conference last week.
The open debate came at a time when the new Israeli government is headed by hawkish Prime Minister Benjam Netanyahu. Netanyahu has so far refused to make public endorsement to the creation of an independent Palestinian state, the main part of an international plan to resolve the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The meeting also came before US President Barack Obama is scheduled to host the Israeli and Palestinian leaders and key regional parties in Washington to promote the flagging Middle East peace process.
