Ban urges Netanyahu to ease access to Muslims, Christian Holy sites

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to express his concerns about the recent tensions in East Jerusalem, and more particularly restrictions of access to Muslim and Christian Holy sites, Deputy Spokesman Eduardo del Buey told the daily press briefing on Thursday. Ban also called Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, he said. "The Secretary-General conveyed his concerns to the Israeli authorities, urging Israel to abide by its obligations under international humanitarian law. The Secretary-General stressed to both leaders the "importance of respect for the religious freedom of all, and that worshippers of all faiths should have access to their Holy sites," del Buey said. The calls came after Palestinian Ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour and an Arab delegation met earlier this week with Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson to complain about the matter and to seek a UN action. With regard to the regional situation, the Secretary-General reiterated that "all should act responsibly and abide by international law to prevent escalation." Del Buey said Ban also discussed with both leaders the Middle East Peace Process and the situation on the ground, including in East Jerusalem. "The Secretary-General strongly encouraged the ongoing efforts toward the resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, and expressed his hope that they will lead to a substantial peace initiative soon. He stressed the importance for the parties to create the conditions conducive to a resumption of meaningful negotiations," he stressed.