Ban Ki-moon's message for Solidarity Day with the Palestinian People

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, 29 November:

"Sixty-four years ago on this day, the General Assembly adopted resolution 181, proposing the partition of the mandate territory into two States. The establishment of a Palestinian State, living in peace next to a secure Israel, is long overdue.

The need to resolve this conflict has taken on greater urgency with the historic transformations taking place across the region.  I call on the Israeli and Palestinian leadership to show courage and determination to seek an agreement for a two-State solution that can open up a brighter future for Palestinian and Israeli children.  Such a solution must end the occupation that began in 1967, and meet legitimate security concerns.  Jerusalem must emerge from negotiations as the ‎capital of two States, with arrangements for the holy sites acceptable to all.  And a just and agreed solution must be found for millions of Palestinian refugees scattered around the region."