2-state solution needed 'more than ever': Ban

UN chief Ban Ki-moon called Monday for renewed efforts to achieve a two-state solution in the Middle East following last week's ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
"More than ever, we need a negotiated two-state solution ending the occupation and the conflict," he said at the inauguration of a new centre for interreligious dialogue in Vienna.
"I am determined to ensure that the ceasefire is sustainable. Both sides must adhere to the agreement," Ban said of the truce achieved last Wednesday between Israel and Hamas after a week of deadly attacks on both sides.
But this was not enough, he said.
"The underlying issues must be addressed. This is critical to regional stability. A just and comprehensive peace is our ultimate goal -- and it is the only way to bring lasting security to all."
Ban was speaking at the inauguration of the controversial new King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID).
Critics say the Saudi-backed centre -- financed by Riyadh and named after its king, despite backing also from Austria, Spain and the Vatican -- will only distract from Saudi Arabia's lack of religious freedom and do little to bring about real dialogue and concrete results.