Israel rejects UN resolution to resume negotiations

Israel reiterated its rejection today of the draft resolution proposed by New Zealand in the UN Security Council calling for the revival of the settlement process to resolve the Palestinian issue.

Israeli radio quoted the Israeli Envoy to the UN Danny Danon as saying that the aforementioned resolution was rejected by Israel, describing it as “destructive instead of being constructive.”

“The only way to achieve peace is through direct talks between the parties,” Damon added, and that “the best way to reduce tensions in the region is to urge President Abbas to accept Prime Minister Netanyahu’s call to meet with him.”

New Zealand presented the draft resolution, which aims to revive settlement negotiations to resolve the Palestinian issue, to the Security Council last night.

The draft resolution calls on Israel and the Palestinians to take steps “to end the violence, avoid incitement and protect civilians.” It also urges both sides to refrain from “provocative acts, including acts which threaten the historic status quo of holy sites in Jerusalem,” including the Holy Mosque of Al-Aqsa.

In addition to this, New Zealand’s resolution demands that Israel stop building settlements and demolishing Palestinian homes, and that Israel stop attempting to prevent the Palestinians from taking action in the International Criminal Court.

It asks members of the Quartet of Middle East mediators, as well as the sponsors of the Arab peace initiative and Security Council members, to assist the Palestinians and Israelis in preparing for the resumption of negotiations.

The PA Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki announced that the New Zealand resolution is being considered by the Palestinians in order to respond to it.