‘’The suspension of (Israeli) plans to formalize the annexation of parts of the occupied Palestinian territories is a step in the right direction. But no, that’s not enough. These plans must be abandoned for good,’’ said Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès in her address to the virtual United Nations General Assembly.
‘’Annexation would seriously undermine the viability of a lasting solution and close the door to future negotiations,’’ she said.
‘’In the Middle East, the prospect of a just and lasting peace remains the goal. For there can be no peace in the Middle East without a permanent and just solution to the Palestinian question,’’ she said.
She added: ‘’Nor can there be peace in the Middle East without Israel’s legitimate right to live in peace and security within internationally recognized borders.’’
‘’There can also be no peace in the Middle East without the eradication of terrorism,’’ she continued.
‘’We welcome the recent announcements of the normalization of Israel’s relations with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. We must see in it the hope that it can be a cornerstone of peace and stability throughout the region,’’ she stated.
‘’However, international and multilateral efforts aimed at a meaningful resumption of talks must be actively supported to achieve a negotiated and viable two-state solution, based on international law and United Nations resolutions.’’