S. Africa calls for UN role in ending Palestinian-Israeli issue

South Africa's President Jacob Zuma addresses the 67th session of the United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York, Sept 25, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

UNITED NATIONS - South Africa said Tuesday it remains concerned at the situation in the Middle East and the United Nations should play a central role in settling the Palestinian-Israeli issue.  

The statement came as Jacob Zuma, the president of South Africa, was speaking at the General Debate of the UN General Assembly, which opened on Tuesday morning.

"The situation in the Middle East continues to be a concern to us in particular the Palestine-Israeli question," he said. " The United Nations should play a central and decisive role in efforts to resolve this long-standing conflict in that region."

The United Nations is part of Quartet, a diplomatic group which also includes the European Union, the United States and Russia, in search of peace in the Middle East.

"Any act of aggression or violations of international law should be condemned unequivocally by the UN at all times," he said. "As the UN we cannot be seen to be strong in condemning some and on the other hand, being soft on others."

"As South Africa, we remain committed to the two-state solution based on the 1967 borders with Palestine and Israel co-existing side by side in peace," he said.

The two-state solution, widely backed by the international community, means a secure Israel to live in peace with an independent State of Palestine.

"Let me also emphasize that South Africa fully supports the application by Palestine for full membership of the United Nations," he said. "It is unacceptable that until today, Palestine remains outside of the membership of the United Nations. We trust that this matter will be concluded positively soon."

Palestine won membership last year in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), despite strong opposition from the United States and Israel.