UN welcomes new efforts to resume Israeli-Palestinian peace talks

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon commended the efforts of United States Secretary of State John Kerry to resume negotiations in the Middle East peace process. “The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement by US Secretary of State Kerry in Amman, Jordan, that the basis has been established to resume talks between Israelis and Palestinians,” Ban’s spokesperson said in a statement. The UN chief added that he was encouraged by “this positive development” and called on both sides to show leadership, courage, and responsibility to sustain this effort towards achieving the two-State vision. He noted that the UN will continue to support any endeavor towards meaningful negotiations and to the achievement of a comprehensive peace in the region.