UN president: 2-state solution sole option for peace

WASHINGTON

Despite efforts to whittle away at the two-state solution, it remains the only viable option to achieve peace between Palestine and Israel, the president of the UN General Assembly said Tuesday.

Addressing the body's legislative committee on the Palestinian people's rights, Volkan Bozkir said the UN has enshrined the principal as the bedrock of peace in the region since 1947.

"A two-state solution recognized by Resolution 181 is the only premise for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace between Israelis and Palestinians, to bring security and prosperity to all," Bozkir said, referring to the 1947 General Assembly resolution.

He sharply criticized what he called "attempts to erode the status of Jerusalem, threats of annexation, and the inhuman blockade in Gaza" describing them as part of a "recurring pattern, which severely curtails the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Palestinians."

"Generations have been born into this desperate situation. Generations have lived in a permanent state of emergency," he said.

Palestinian territories, including the West Bank and East Jerusalem, have been under Israeli occupation since 1967. The occupation is considered illegal under international law.

WASHINGTON

Despite efforts to whittle away at the two-state solution, it remains the only viable option to achieve peace between Palestine and Israel, the president of the UN General Assembly said Tuesday.

Addressing the body's legislative committee on the Palestinian people's rights, Volkan Bozkir said the UN has enshrined the principal as the bedrock of peace in the region since 1947.

"Generations have been born into this desperate situation. Generations have lived in a permanent state of emergency," he said.

Palestinian territories, including the West Bank and East Jerusalem, have been under Israeli occupation since 1967. The occupation is considered illegal under international law.