Pakistan calls for settlement of Middle East conflict

Pakistan proposes establishment of an independent state of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital

Pakistan on Friday called for settlement of the Middle East crisis by establishing an independent state of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, Radio Pakistan reported.

Addressing a debate in the General Assembly's Fourth Committee on Israeli atrocities and human rights violations in occupied Palestine, Pakistan's Permanent Ambassador to the UN Dr Maleeha Lodhi stressed on the need for durable peace in the region.

"Long lasting peace in the region can only be achieved through political means, and not by using live ammunition against unarmed civilians," she said.



Lodhi said the need for an immediate end to the eight-year-long Israeli blockade of Gaza was essential.

"A long-term solution requires the withdrawal of forces from Arab lands, including Lebanon and Syrian Golan Heights," the UN ambassador added.

Earlier in June, Lodhi had urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to resolve the Palestine issue.