Some 70 countries today reaffirmed that only a two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians could resolve the conflict and warned that they would not recognise any unilateral steps taken by either side that could prejudge negotiations.
The final communique of a Middle East peace conference held in Paris shied away explicitly from criticising plans by US President-elect Donald Trump to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem, but said a new conference would be held by year-end for interested parties.
It also said the pre 1967 war borders should provide the basis for negotiations, French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said.
The international conference was attended by representatives from around the world including Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan.
Neither the Israelis nor the Palestinians participated in the summit itself.
Speaking in Paris, Minister Flanagan said: "The conference has sent a clear message that the international community believes that the only sustainable solution to the conflict is a negotiated two-state solution.
"While the ultimate agreement must be between the two sides, the international community has a role in making it possible," said Mr Flanagan.
Min @CharlieFlanagan sets out Ireland's strong support for the MEPP & two state solution. Emphasised importance of civic soc orgs. pic.twitter.com/z7RVlVxNFQ
— IrishForeignMinistry (@dfatirl) January 15, 2017
Just five days before Donald Trump is to be sworn in as US president, the conference provided a platform for countries to send a strong signal to the future American leader.
Mr Trump has pledged to pursue more pro-Israeli policies and move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv, where it has been for 68 years, to Jerusalem, all but enshrining the city as Israel's capital despite international objections.
"It would be a unilateral decision that could escalate tensions on the ground," a senior French diplomat said.
"Five days before he becomes president, it's not negligible that 70 countries recall (the need for) a two-state solution when his administration could implement controversial measures that may aggravate things."
France said the meeting did not intend to impose anything on Israel or the Palestinians and that, ultimately, only direct negotiations between the two can resolve the conflict.
Speaking after a meeting with Pope Francis yesterday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said prospects for peace will suffer if Mr Trump moves Washington's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the Paris meeting, saying it was "futile" and "rigged".
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