Secretary-General, Concerned over PLO’s Decision to Suspend Security Cooperation with Israel, Calls for Resumption of Tax Transfers, Peace Talks

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General expresses his concern regarding the 5 March decision by the Palestine Liberation Organization’s (PLO) Central Council to suspend all forms of security coordination with Israel.

The Secretary-General notes that the PLO Executive Committee will report on the implementation of this decision to the PLO Central Council in three months.  This still provides a window of opportunity for both sides to take necessary actions to honour their obligations.  In this regard, he urges both parties to exercise utmost restraint and reverse their unhelpful cycle of actions and counter-actions.  The Secretary-General repeats his call on Israel to resume the transfer of tax revenues legally due to the Palestinian Authority as per the Paris Protocol.

In the absence of effective international engagement, the situation may further unravel.  The Secretary-General urgently calls on the international community, including the Security Council, to exercise leadership and help create conditions for a negotiated final peace agreement that will end the Israeli occupation and realize the creation of a viable Palestinian State, living in peace and security alongside Israel.