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New Zealand FM calls for bigger UN role in Middle East peace process

Xinhua, July 28, 2015 Adjust font size:

New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully on Tuesday called for the United Nations Security Council to have a greater role in the Middle East peace process.

McCully said he had discussed the process and other issues related to New Zealand's current presidency of the Security Council in talks with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in Washington.

"Secretary Kerry has been closely involved in efforts to re- establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians and New Zealand is strongly supportive of the U.S. leadership being shown in relation to the Middle East Peace Process," McCully said in a statement from his office.

"I also reiterated New Zealand's view that the Security Council needs to become more involved in the peace process and encouraging all parties back to the negotiating table."

McCully congratulated Kerry on the conclusion of the Iran nuclear deal, which was "a product of strong and effective diplomacy."

"Last week the members of the Security Council welcomed the deal, expressing the hope that it would set the scene for Iran to play a more constructive role in regional affairs, leading to progress on some of the security challenges facing the Middle East, " said McCully.

"We discussed issues currently on the council's agenda, such as the urgent need for a political solution to the conflict in Syria, and efforts to establish accountability for the downing of flight MH17 over Ukraine last year."

The talks also covered the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade negotiations and New Zealand's aim for a deal that delivers "a high-quality and comprehensive outcome on areas of interest to New Zealand such as dairy." Endi