Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

The United Nations Security Council has held open debates on the Middle East under the chairmanship of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani mission to the UN said.

During the debates, UN Under Secretary General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman elaborated on the developments in the Middle East peace process.

Also, representatives from about 60 countries, including Israel, Palestine and 15 Security Council members, delivered speeches at the discussions.

Speakers highlighted the importance of further Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, the threat posed by the Syrian conflict to the whole region, and the importance of the Geneva-2 meeting to resolve the conflict through dialogue, and stressed that the settlement policy in the Palestinian territories contradicts international law.

Azerbaijan's ambassador to the UN Agshin Mehdiyev, who presided over the meeting, said that the parties' commitment to the negotiation process is important to achieve real results. The process must be carried out within relevant regulatory standards and reflected in the UN Charter and international law to achieve success.

During the meeting it was also noted that there is a need for continued support of the international community for improvement of economic, financial and humanitarian conditions of the Palestinian lands.

Azerbaijan acts as a non-permanent member of the UNSC since January 1, 2012 and its membership will continue until December 31, 2013. Azerbaijan chaired the Security Council in May 2012 and is heading it for a month-long period in October again.