UN Middle East Envoy deplores continuation of "illegal

United Nations, June 24, SPA -- The United Nations’ top Middle East
envoy, Robert Serry, told a meeting of the Security Council on
Tuesday that “illegal construction settlements continue,” Palestinian
institutions remain closed, and homes belonging to Palestinians
continue to be demolished in the West Bank.

“We reiterate our call for an end to unilateral Israeli measures in
Jerusalem (Al-Quds city) and an end to house demolitions,” Serry
said.

Serry also said the recent speech by Netanyahu acknowledging the
need for an independent Palestinian state “represented a step
forward,” but he criticized a number of “stringent” demands in
Netanyahu’s acceptance of a two-state solution.

--SPA