Asian countries back 2-state solution for lasting peace in Middle East

By Aamir Latif and Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD (AA) – Asian nations on Thursday demanded an immediate halt to the raging violence in Gaza, implementation of the UN Security Council (UNSC) cease-fire resolution, and reiterated their demand for a two-state solution to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East.

China, while calling for an “immediate“ cease-fire, called on “all members” of the council to pass a “favorable vote” to support Palestine to join the UN family as a full member.

Addressing the UNSC session ahead of a crucial vote on Palestine’s bid for full UN membership, China’s permanent envoy to the global body, Fu Cong, also called for efforts to stop the spillover of the raging conflict and ensure “safe and smooth flow” of humanitarian relief.

“The international community, especially the United Nations, must demonstrate determination and make the right choice by taking vigorous action,” he went on to say.

Japan said that there is no solution other than “peaceful coexistence” between Israel and Palestine to bring an end to the “current tragedy and achieve lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.”

Tokyo’s special envoy for the Middle East, Uemura Tsukasa, said that his country “will not give up and will continuously contribute to the realization of a two-state solution.”

He urged all the parties concerned to “calm down the situation,” and reiterated Tokyo’s “determination to continue to make all necessary diplomatic efforts in order to prevent any further deterioration.”

“The world does not want to see the loss of lives and the cycle of violence anymore,” he went on to say, hoping that continued discussions and “show of will” in the UNSC will lead to “a change in behavior by the parties concerned and an improvement of the situation.”