Status quo unacceptable in Palestinian-Israeli peace process - Ban

[oberliner]

UNITED NATIONS, Feb 5 (KUNA) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday said the status quo in the Palestinian-Israeli peace process is "unsustainable and unacceptable" and urged Hamas to pronounce itself on the key issues.

"The status quo is unsustainable, and unacceptable. Both parties must live up to their commitment to a negotiated two-State solution consistent with Security Council resolutions 242 and 338 and resolve all the core issues, namely territory, security, Jerusalem, refugees, settlements, and water," Ban told the Palestinian Rights Committee in its first meeting in 2013.

But for real progress to be made, he insisted, "Hamas must make clear where it stands on the central issues at stake".

http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2291215&language=en

[Scootaloo]

1. "Hamas must make clear where it stands on the central issues at stake"

I was under the impression it already had?

[oberliner]

2. Various Hamas representatives tend to contradict one another

Hard to get a sense of their official stance on those central issues.

Who speaks for Hamas exactly?

[R. Daneel Olivaw]

3. You missed some key points. Let me help you out.

However, he said "I am dismayed by the dramatic increase in Israeli settlement activity. I was also deeply disappointed by the announcement of new construction plans in the 'E1' area, and urged the Government of Israel to heed international calls to rescind these plans".

"Settlement activity is a major obstacle to the two-state solution and must cease immediately. I repeat that all settlements in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are illegal under international law and cannot prejudge the outcome of final status negotiations," he stressed. (end) sj.mt KUNA 052303 Feb 13NNNN

I would actually like to see Hamas go away entirely and something new and positive happen for the Palestinians in Gaza. I would also like to see Israel follow UN resolutions and not ignore then at their own peril.

[Solindsey]

4. Interesting how those bits were left out of the OP. I'm gonna pretend I'm not surprised.

And I agree, Hamas are a pain in the ass and need to GTFO pronto.

[oberliner]

5. Got those points

Totally agree.

[R. Daneel Olivaw]

6. I'm glad that we share some common ground on the issues.

[oberliner]

7. Do you agree with everything Ban said here?

Or just with the quotes you've selected?

[R. Daneel Olivaw]

8. Of course I do. Why wouldn't I?

I also stand behind all of the UN resolutions on Israel/Palestine.

Some on I/P do not at all and call the UN KKK or such terrible things.