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Ban Ki-moon appeals to leaders of Israel and Palestine

20 October 2015 07:42 (UTC +04:00)

Baku – APA. Amid roiling tensions in the Middle East, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has taken to the airwaves to speak directly to the peoples of Israel and Palestine and to urge the leaders on both sides to end the “posturing and brinkmanship” and get serious about pursuing the two-state solution –“the only solution capable of durably stanching the bloodshed hatred and fear.”

“I am dismayed – as we all should be – when I see young people, children, picking up weapons and seeking to kill,” declared the Secretary-General in a video message to address what he called “the dangerous escalation in violence across the occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, especially in Jerusalem.”

Mr. Ban emphasized that “violence will only undermine the legitimate Palestinian aspirations for statehood and the longing of Israelis for security.”

He also urged leaders on both sides to “stand firm against terror, violence and incitement,” and to demonstrate “in both words and deeds that the historic status quo of holy sites in Jerusalem will be preserved.”