UNITED NATIONS - Ambassadors of European countries to the United Nations on Thursday stressed that the two-state solution is the only viable path for the settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and underscored the stabilizing role of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).
“Let me first reiterate Sweden’s long-standing and firm commitment to the two-state solution. There is simply no alternative,” Swedish ambassador to the United Nations OlofSkoog told the Security Council in a debate on Middle East peace.
“Only a two-state solution, based on known parameters, international law and relevant resolutions of this council, can fulfil the legitimate aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians and achieve the security and just peace that both peoples deserve.” He expressed concern over the financial restraints of UNRWA as a result of a severe cut by the United States in its contributions. The United States donated 363 million U.S. dollars in 2017 to the agency. The U.S. government has just decided to allocate only 60 million dollars for 2018, creating an unprecedented crisis for the agency. “UNRWA delivers critical services for the human development of Palestinian refugees and plays a crucial role to ensure stability in a region seriously affected by conflict, terrorism and turmoil. Given the extreme conditions facing many refugees, UNRWA’s stabilizing role in providing basic services is imperative,” Skoog said.(Xinhua)