Ambassador TS Tirumurti, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, yesterday reiterated his country’s commitment to a negotiated two-state solution leading to the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine.
“Resolution 2334 was adopted by this Council to reaffirm the international community’s firm commitment to preventing the erosion of the two-state solution,” said Tirumurti.
Deeply concerned by recent developments in the West Bank and Gaza, the Indian ambassador said, “Unilateral measures unduly alter the status-quo on the ground, undercut the viability of the two-state solution and pose serious challenges to the resumption of peace talks.”
He urged the international community to send a strong signal against any step that would prevent the possibility of durable peace between Israel and Palestine.
“Encouraged by direct contacts between Israel and Palestine leadership, initiatives which are in the interest of both parties, help maintain stability and discourage possible recurrence of violence,” said Tirumurti.
He also stressed on the need for a clear roadmap for early resumption of direct negotiations on all final status issues.
“Absence of these direct talks on key political issues has asymmetrical costs for both Israelis and Palestinians and does not augur well for long-term peace in the region,” said Tirumurti.
Source: Palestinian News & Information Agency