UN General Assembly
2010

actions the framework for a lasting settlement of the conflict. To date, as we know, such calls have mostly been in vain. The resumption of direct talks between Israelis and Palestinians on 2 September 2010, however, once again gives me hope that we will finally reach a final settlement that ends the occupation that began in 1967 and leads to the birth of an independent, democratic, viable and contiguous Palestinian State living in peace and security with Israel and its other neighbours. I genuinely hope that the call by President Obama to work to achieve a Palestinian State in 2011 will become a reality. However, we must not be distracted by the enemies of peace and those who seek to sabotage peace talks. It will be important for both parties to show determination, courage, calm and restraint, and to act solely according to international law. Hence the importance of ending all settlement activities. They are illegal, contrary to international law and clearly constitute an obstacle to peace. Why is that so? While