The President of the European Council says the resumption of talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority is the top priority.
Herman Van Rompuy was speaking at the 66th United Nations General Assembly Debate in New York. On Friday, the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to submit a written application for full UN membership.
"The resumption of direct talks between Israel and the Palestinian authority is the top priority...the status quo is not an option. The wind of change across the entire region should help you to get out of the impasse."
British Prime Minister David Cameron also called for direct negotiations to resume between Israel and the Palestinians. But he also reacted strongly to an earlier speech by the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
"He did not remind us that he runs a country where they might have elections, of a sort, but they also repress freedom of speech, they do everything they can to avoid the accountability of a free media, they violently prevent demonstrations and yes, they detain and torture those who argue for a better future," said Cameron.
Minutes earlier Ahmadinejad had sparked a mass walk-out with a stinging attack on the West and Israel.
The Iranian President had told delegates that under the influence of colonialism, the West threatens sanctions and military action against anyone who questions the Holocaust or September 11th.
Source: Euronews
