U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged both Israeli and Palestinian leaders to create conditions conducive for resuming meaningful negotiations to end the decades-long conflict between the two sides, his spokesman said on Thursday.
According to the spokesman, Ban made the appeal during separate conversations held with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas over the last two days.
"The Secretary-General strongly encouraged the ongoing efforts towards the resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, and expressed his hope that they will lead to a substantial peace initiative soon," Eduardo del Buey told reporters in New York.
Ban also discussed the situation on the ground, including in East Jerusalem, during his phone conversations with the leaders.
"Regarding the recent tensions in East Jerusalem, and more particularly restrictions of access to Muslim and Christian holy sites, the Secretary-General conveyed his concerns to the Israeli authorities, urging Israel to abide by its obligations under international humanitarian law," del Buey said.
"The Secretary-General stressed to both leaders the importance of respect for religious freedom of all, and that worshipers of all faiths should have access to their holy sites," he added.
Noting that the U.N. chief has repeatedly stated that 2013 will be a critical year for the peace process, the spokesman said Ban urged both leaders to make a concerted push to salvage the two-State solution.
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