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Arab summit highlights two-state solution as cornerstone of peace

Xinhua, March 29, 2017 Adjust font size:

The United Nations, European Union and leaders of Arab states said Wednesday that there was no alternative to the two-state solution in ending the decade-long conflict between the Palestinians and Israel.

"The two-state solution is the only path to ensure that Palestinians and Israelis can realize their national aspirations and live in peace, security and dignity," UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said at the ongoing 28th Arab Summit in Jordan.

"There is no Plan B," said Guterres. "That is why it is important to stop all unilateral actions that can undermine the two-state solution."

"This is particularly true in relation to the need to stop settlement activities, which are illegal under international law," the UN chief said.

Federica Mogherini, the high representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, agreed that the two-state solution is the only way to the Palestinian issue, stressing that no regional power holds the key to peace in the region.

"The two-state solution is the only realistic solution to the conflict," the EU official said, adding "the EU will also work with the U.S. in that respect."

By stressing the two-state solution, Arab officials said an independent Palestinian state must be established with east Jerusalem as its capital, warning of talks by U.S. President Donald Trump to relocate the country's embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

At the opening of the summit, which is held in Jordan for the fourth time, King Abdullah II of Jordan referred to Israel's continued settlement expansion to undermine chances for peace.

"There can be no peace nor stability in the region without a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause, the core issue in the Middle East, based on the two-state solution," he said.

"We must all work as one to safeguard Jerusalem and prevent attempts to create new facts on the ground that would have catastrophic consequences on the region's future and stability," the king added. Endit