UN chief voices concern about PLO decision to halt security coordination with Israel

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday expressed his concern about the decision of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Central Council to halt all forms of security coordination with Israel.

"The Secretary-General repeats his call on Israel to resume the transfer of tax revenues legally due to the Palestinian Authority as per the Paris Protocol," said UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric while reading a statement at a daily news briefing.

While urging both parties to "exercise utmost restraint" and " reverse their unhelpful cycle of actions and counter-actions," Ban stressed that in the absence of effective international engagement, the situation may "further unravel," according to Dujarric.

"The Secretary General urgently calls on the international community, including the Security Council, to exercise leadership and help create conditions for a negotiated final peace agreement that will end the Israeli occupation and realize the creation of a viable Palestinian state, living in peace and security alongside Israel," the spokesperson said.

The PLO Central Council decided Thursday to sever security coordination with Israel. The 110-member council, the second highest decision-making body after the Palestinian National Council (PNC), met in the West Bank city of Ramallah Wednesday and Thursday.

The PLO central council's move was made in response to Israel's decision made in January to withhold the Palestinian tax revenue dues, in addition to the tight security measures and the expansion of settlements.

Israel's decision to withhold the Palestinian tax dues was a response to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas decision to sign on joining 20 international agencies and treaties, including the International Criminal Court (ICC). Endite