Guterres: I want to see two states, Palestine and Israel

NEW YORK, (Patria) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that the two-state solution is the only possible solution to the Israeli-Palestinian issue and for the establishment of peace in the entire region.

- That is the only way to establish stability, peace, prosperity, and development in the region - Guterres said at a meeting with the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, held at UN headquarters in New York.

He praised the Committee for, as he said, the efforts it is undertaking to help Palestinians enjoy their human rights and freedoms, Hina reports.

- I have always said that I would like to see the state of Palestine and the state of Israel, both with Jerusalem as their capital - Guterres said.

He warned of very negative trends on the ground that could lead to a situation where only one state exists.

He emphasized that such a situation would be contrary to the legitimate national, historical, and democratic aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians.

Finally, he pointed out that the settlement and expansion of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem are illegal according to existing UN resolutions and international law.

He also noted that such actions are the biggest obstacle to peace in the region.