Ban: Palestinians, Israelis must find solution to millions of Palestinian refugees

Marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Monday said Palestinians and Israelis must find a solution to the millions of Palestinian refugees scattered in the Arab world. "This year's observance takes place as Israeli and Palestinian negotiators work together towards the agreed objective of a peaceful, comprehensive settlement on all permanent status issues. The goal remains clear - an end to the occupation, Jerusalem is to emerge from negotiations as the capital of two States. An agreed solution must be found for millions of Palestinian refugees around the region," Ban told the commemorative meeting. This year's commemoration marks the first anniversary of Palestine becoming a non-member observer State in the UN. Recalling that past September marked the 20th anniversary of the Oslo accords, Ban urged Palestinian and Israeli leaders to take the decisions that "will usher in a political solution to this serious and long-standing conflict. "We cannot afford to lose the current moment of opportunity. I ask all in the international community to work together to translate the solidarity expressed on this occasion into positive action for peace and justice," he said in a statement read out by his Deputy Jan Eliasson. In a message read out by Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the Palestinian side will continue to sit at the negotiation table with the Israeli side with good intentions in order to provide the appropriate environment to reach a peace agreement that will provide a just solution to the refugees and other key issues. The Presidents of the Security Council and the General Assembly, along with other high-level participation, also addressed the commemorative meeting. Palestinian singer Mohammad Assaf, winner of Arab Idol 2013 and UNRWA's regional Ambassador, is scheduled to participate in a concert held at the UN to mark the occasion. (