Ban: End to occupation 'the only way forward'

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
On the 40th anniversary of the outbreak of the Six Day War, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday remembered those who were killed and whose lives were shattered by the conflict, particularly Palestinians still living under occupation. "An end to the occupation and a political solution to the conflict is the only way forward for Israelis, Palestinians, Syrians, Lebanese and the wider region," said a statement from Ban's spokeswoman Michele Montas. "This will only be achieved through negotiations to bring about an end to the occupation, on the basis of the principle of land for peace, as envisaged in Security Council resolutions." The anniversary serves as a reminder that "statehood for Palestinians, security for Israelis, and peace in the region cannot be achieved by force," the statement said. "The United Nations remains committed to bringing assistance to those who suffer, and to working tirelessly for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the region in accordance with international law and the resolutions of the Security Council," Ban's spokeswoman said.