(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) Now is the time to deescalate and refrain from provocative steps towards Gaza, re-build trust and set conditions for a return to negotiations that will resolve this conflict, UN's Special Coordinator for Middle East Peace Process Robert Serry told Security Council.
In his briefing, Serry focused on the Israeli-Palestinian issues but also touched on the situations in Syria and Lebanon.
Making headway in at least salvaging prospects for resolving the conflict will require the active role of the international community, Serry said, noting that "Israelis and Palestinians still demand an end to the conflict despite their strong malaise on the peace process itself." The UN official also noted the European legislative action in recognizing a Palestinian State, as well as the agreement by the Arab League to present to the Council a draft resolution setting a timeframe for its creation.
In this context, he said that those actions were important but not a substitute for a genuine peace process recognized by both parties.
As the humanitarian situation in Gaza remained fragile, Serry stressed the priorities of affordable energy, sufficient water and accelerated reconstruction, while addressing reasonable Israeli security concerns.
The UN official noted the UN support for response to the refugee presence in Lebanon, and condemned deadly attacks on the Lebanese Armed Forces by militants near the Syria border, with 25 Lebanese security personnel still held hostage by extremist groups.
Srry welcomed preparations announced by legislators for dialogue between Hezbollah and the Future Movement, expressing hope that would ease tensions and help resolve the seven-month-long vacuum in the presidency, among other issues.
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