UN chief urges Israel peace deal with Palestinians for state

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon responded to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's election victory with a call for the new government to negotiate a final peace agreement that will create "a viable Palestinian state."

UN spokesman Farhan Haq made clear today that the unusually pointed statement reflects the secretary-general's expectation and response to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's campaign comments opposing a two-state solution.

He said Ban's call for the new government to create conditions for a negotiated peace deal includes halting "illegal settlement building."

"The secretary-general firmly believes this is also the best and only way forward for Israel to remain a democratic state," Haq said.
 

He said Ban welcomed the election results and expressed hopes "for the rapid establishment of a new government that reflects the will of all Israeli voters.