UN chief opposes any unilateral measures jeopardizing peace prospect for Israelis, Palestinians

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Wednesday that he is "against any unilateral measures that would jeopardize the prospect of peace for Israelis and Palestinians."

United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres speaks in response to a speech by U.S. President Donald Trump recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in New York, U.S., December 6, 2017. [Photo: VCG]

"From day one as Secretary-General of the United Nations, I have consistently spoken out against any unilateral measures that would jeopardize the prospect of peace for Israelis and Palestinians," the UN chief told reporters immediately after U.S. President Donald Trump announced the decision that the United States formally recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres speaks in response to a speech by U.S. President Donald Trump recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in New York, U.S., December 6, 2017. [Photo: VCG]

"Jerusalem is a final status issue that must be resolved through direct negotiations between the two parties on the basis of the relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, taking into account the legitimate concerns of both the Palestinian and the Israeli sides," Guterres said. 

"I understand the deep attachment that Jerusalem holds in the hearts of so many people. It has been so for centuries and it will always be," he said. "In this moment of great anxiety, I want to make it clear: there is no alternative to the two-state solution. There is no Plan B."

"It is only by realizing the vision of two states living side-by-side in peace, security and mutual recognition, with Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and Palestine, and all final status issues resolved permanently through negotiations, that the legitimate aspirations of both peoples will be achieved," the UN chief stressed. 

Palestinians watch a televised broadcast of U.S. President Donald Trump delivering an address in Jerusalem's Old City December 6, 2017. [Photo: VCG]

"For my part as the United Nations Secretary-General, I will do everything in my power to support the Israeli and Palestinian leaders to return to meaningful negotiations and to realize this vision of a lasting peace for both people," he said.