Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the
High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
On the issue of Jerusalem
New York 15 December 2017
On behalf of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), the High Representative for UNAOC, Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser stressed the significance of the multi-cultural and multi-religious character of Jerusalem, where the sacred holy sites of three Monotheistic religions stand side by side. He noted that Jerusalem holds a special place in the hearts and minds of Muslims, Jews and Christians. All three religions share and embrace the humanistic values of tolerance, compassion and peace.
Supporting and promoting these humanistic values lies at the core of the work of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, a political initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General under the co-sponsorship of the Governments of Turkey and Spain.
The High Representative wishes to re-iterate the position of the United Nations with regard to Jerusalem as represented in relevant General Assembly and Security Council resolutions. As it was stated by the UN Secretary-General that Jerusalem is a final status issue. As such, the vision of realizing the two-state solution is the only way for a lasting peace that would enable the Palestinians and the Israelis to live side by side.