AHLC and other reports

Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nickolay Mladenov, on settlement expansion in Givat Hamatos

Jerusalem, 16 November 2020

“I am very concerned by the decision of the Israeli authorities yesterday to open the bidding process for the construction of Givat Hamatos.

If built, it would further consolidate a ring of settlements between Jerusalem and Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. It would significantly damage prospects for a future contiguous Palestinian State and for achieving a negotiated two-State solution based on the 1967 lines, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.

Settlement construction is illegal under international law and I call on the authorities to reverse this step.”

[ENDS]

UN Secretary-General's Spokesman - on the announcement of an agreement between Israel and the Sudan

24 October 2020

The Secretary-General takes note of the announcement by the Governments of the United States, Israel and Sudan informing of an agreement to normalize relations between the Republic of the Sudan and Israel.

The Secretary-General hopes the agreement will further cooperation, enhance economic and trade relations, and bring about new opportunities to advance peace and economic prosperity in the wider Horn of Africa and Middle East regions.

The United Nations remains fully committed to supporting the Republic of the Sudan's efforts to achieve socio-economic recovery, stability and prosperity for all people in the Sudan and the wider region.

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

[END].

Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nickolay Mladenov, on advancement of settlement units in the occupied West Bank

Jerusalem, 15 October 2020

“On 14 and 15 October, the Israeli authorities advanced nearly 5,000 housing units, most of which are in outlying locations deep inside the occupied West Bank. Settlement construction is illegal under international law and is one of the major obstacles to peace.

This significant number and location of advancements is of great concern to all those who remain committed to advancing Israeli-Palestinian peace.

Such moves undermine the prospect of achieving a viable two-State solution by systematically eroding the possibility of establishing a contiguous and independent Palestinian State living side-by-side in peace and security with Israel.

I call on the authorities to cease immediately all settlement-related activities.”

[ENDS]

Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the announcement of an agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates

13 August 2020

Today’s joint statement by US President Donald J. Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi suspends Israeli annexation plans over parts of the occupied West Bank, something the Secretary-General has consistently called for. Annexation would effectively close the door for a renewal of negotiations and destroy the prospect of a viable Palestinian State and the two-State solution.

The Secretary-General welcomes this agreement, hoping it will create an opportunity for Israeli and Palestinian leaders to re-engage in meaningful negotiations that will realize a two state-solution in line with relevant UN resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements.

Peace in the Middle East is more important than ever as the region confronts the grave threats of COVID-19 and radicalization.

The Secretary-General will continue to work with all sides to open further possibilities for dialogue, peace and stability.

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

[END].