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Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/11/AR2009051101932.html
UN Security Council Calls for a Palestinian State
[AP/Washington Post] Edith M. Lederer - The UN Security Council unanimously approved a statement on Monday reiterating its call for "renewed and urgent efforts by the parties and the international community" to reach a Mideast peace agreement "based on the vision of a region where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, will live side by side in peace." The council statement also urged Palestinian factions to take "tangible steps" toward reconciliation, such as renouncing violence, respecting past commitments and recognizing Israel - which Hamas refuses to do. U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice told the council of President Obama's determination to vigorously pursue "a comprehensive peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors" in the months ahead. Israel's UN Ambassador Gabriela Shalev said Israel doesn't believe the involvement of the Security Council contributes to the political process in the Middle East and called the timing "inappropriate." "This process should be bilateral and left to the parties themselves," Shalev said.