UN, EU support Arab stand on Mideast two-state solution

DEAD SEA — Representatives of the UN and EU on Wednesday expressed support for Arab stand on the Middle East conflict, stressing that was no alternative to the two-state solution.

At the 28th Arab summit, Arab leaders said a solution that ensures the creation of an independent Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital was the only "valid" and "acceptable" solution to resolve the conflict.

His Majesty King Abdullah, who took over the presidency of the summit, told Arab leaders there can be no peace or stability in the region without a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause. He stressed the two-state solution is the only way to solve what he called the "core issue" of the Middle East.

By focusing on the two-state solution, Arab officials are sending a clear message to the US administration that there is no alternative to the creation of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. This statement comes amid discussions by US President Donald Trump to relocate its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and repeated remarks that the two-state solution was not the only solution, which is seen as a jeopardy direct threat to long lasting peacemaking efforts. 

Several Arab leaders stressed the centrality of the Palestinian issue, with King Salman saying developments in the Middle East should not overshadow the Palestinian issue, the “core issue” in the Middle East.

"Such regional developments should not hinder any efforts to resolve the Palestinian issue based on legitimate international resolutions and the Arab peace initiative," the Saudi King said.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres stated that there was no alternative to the two-state solution in order to end the decade-long Palestinian Israeli conflict.

"The two-state solution is the only path to ensure that Palestinians and Israelis can realise their national aspirations and live in peace, security and dignity," Guterres said to leaders attending the summit.

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

He added: "This is particularly true in relation to the need to stop settlement activities, which are illegal under international law. It is also important to condemn terrorism and to avoid incitement."

"For far too long, the international community has failed to provide the avenues and support for a just and lasting solution to the question of Palestine," he said.

In an address to the summit, EU Foreign Policy chief Federica Mogherini said: "We deeply believe that the two-state solution is the realistic method to end the conflict. We realise that any changes to the 1967 borders must be done after negotiation, especially regarding Jerusalem."

"We will remain committed as the international community, in cooperation with our American friends… We also believe that the Arab peace initiative is relevant and still alive, and has a central role to play. If translated into actions, the initiative will be a framework for peace," she noted.