UN: Israel should not take unilateral steps in Jerusalem

Israel must refrain from taking any unilateral steps in Jerusalem; Anadolu Agency reported a UN spokesperson as saying yesterday.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric’s comment came after Israeli media reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to revoke the residencies of Palestinians living in the East Jerusalem side of the Separation Wall.

Dujarric said that Ban’s message to all sides is to refrain from taking any unilateral measures which could increase tensions, stressing that both sides should begin negotiations to calm tensions.

He said: “The Secretary-General hopes that the clear, renewed commitments will contribute to resolving the concerns and put an end to the provocative rhetoric that has added to the tensions and violence over the past weeks.”

“Only by restoring calm will all parties be able to refocus their efforts on renewing confidence and creating conditions on the ground, in the region and internationally for meaningful negotiations towards a two-state solution and to put an end to the occupation that began in 1967.”