New Zealand Preparing Anti-Settlement Security Council Resolution

"A Palestinian delegation is in Washington lobbying the Obama administration against using its veto to scuttle an anti-settlement resolution the Palestinian Authority wants to bring to the UN Security Council before President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20...

The Palestinian draft is not the only one circulating among delegations at the UN. New Zealand – which is set to finish its two-year rotating stint on the Security Council at the end of the month – is circulating a draft resolution of its own.

This draft...declares that the two-state solution is the 'only way to achieve an enduring peace that meets Israeli security needs and Palestinian aspirations for statehood and sovereignty, ends the occupation that began in 1967 and resolves all permanent status issues.'

This resolution calls for a 'firm timetable' for an early return to negotiations, and for refraining from setting 'preconditions for the resumption' of talks.

Likewise, it calls for a 'cessation of Israeli settlement activity' as well as 'active and sustained Palestinian leadership to deter incitement to violence against Israeli civilians.'

Regarding terrorism, the New Zealand draft calls for 'an end to all acts of terrorism being perpetrated against both Israeli and Palestinian civilians.'

It also calls for 'an end to hostile actions and rocket fire from Gaza.'

Likewise, it calls for both parties to refrain from 'questioning the integrity or commitment of the other party or its leaders.'

Danon said Israel's position was that in general, resolutions would not help move the sides forward.

'New Zealand is leaving the Security Council and they have a desire to do something,' Danon said. 'I told them that we will remain here with the Palestinians after December, and that it is important that everything that is done be constructive and not give the Palestinians encouragement to go to the international community rather than talk to us.'..."