We consider the statement made yesterday by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, including the principles he envisaged for the Middle East Peace Process, important within the context of the revitalization of the peace process on the basis of the two state solution.

We share, together with the international community, the view included in Kerry’s speech that illegal settlement activities are progressing towards the elimination of the possibility for a two state solution and therefore a lasting peace.

Following the UN Security Council Resolution 2334 and the speech delivered by U.S. Secretary of State Kerry yesterday, we believe that the Middle East Peace Conference that will be held in Paris on 15 January 2017 will give a significant impetus for the revival of peace process.

We deem the immediate end of the Israeli occupation in the Palestinian territories and the emergence of a sovereign and independent State of Palestine, within the 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital, indispensable for the peace and stability of the region.