UN welcomes UAE-Israel peace accord

Special co-ordinator for Middle East peace process hails 'opportunities for Israeli and Palestinian re-engagement'

The West Bank. The UN has described Thursday's agreement as an opportunity for Israeli-Palestinian re-engagement. AP Photo

The UN has welcomed the accord between the UAE and Israel that will lead to a full normalisation of diplomatic ties between the two states.

Nikolay Mladenov, the UN’s Special Co-ordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, said the deal would stop Israel’s annexation plans in the West Bank, “which the UN has consistently called for”.

“I hope it will create opportunities for Israeli and Palestinian re-engagement,” Mr Mladenov said on Twitter early on Friday.

“The UN will work with all for dialogue, peace and stability.”

The agreement, known as the Abraham Accord, came in a joint call between Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, also praised the announcement.

"Today’s joint statement suspends Israeli annexation plans over parts of the occupied West Bank, something the Secretary-General has consistently called for. Annexation would effectively close the door for a renewal of negotiations and destroy the prospect of a viable Palestinian State and the two-State solution," he said.

He said that Mr Guterres welcomes the agreement.

"Peace in the Middle East is more important than ever as the region confronts the grave threats of Covid-19 and radicalisation. The Secretary-General will continue to work with all sides to open further possibilities for dialogue, peace and stability," said Mr Dujarric.

In a joint statement on Thursday, the US expressed its commitment to Middle East security.

"Huge breakthrough today. Historic peace agreement between our two great friends, Israel and the United Arab Emirates," Mr Trump tweeted.

“This deal is a significant step towards peace in the Middle East," he said at the White House.

The statement says that UAE and Israeli officials will meet “in the coming weeks” to sign agreements.

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