He said the diplomatic grouping known as the Quartet – which comprises the UN, European Union, Russia and the United States – continues to work with the Israelis and Palestinians to maximize prospects for resuming direct negotiations on a two State solution. The Quartet held follow-up meetings with both the parties on 5 April, but it was decided that more time is needed for consultations before scheduling the next one, he said.

On Lebanon, almost three months after the nomination by President Michel Sleiman of Najib Mikati as Prime Minister, a government has still not been formed. Both Mr. Sleiman and Mr. Mikati have decided to give additional time to the government formation process, Mr. Pascoe said.

He reported that there have been some minor security incidents in Lebanon, but the overall situation in the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) area of operations remained generally quiet and stable. Israeli air violations, however, continued almost on a daily basis.

Addressing the Council, Israel's Ambassador Meron Reuben said that lasting peace required the building of a culture of understanding and tolerance that is based on the recognition of the right of both Israelis and Palestinians to exist. "Israel's commitment to recognize a future Palestinian State must be met with an equal acknowledgement that Israel is the Jewish State for the Jewish people," he said.

In his statement to the Council, Riyad Mansour, the Permanent Observer of Palestine, said Palestinians remained committed to the achievement of peace through political means, despite the stalemate in the process. He urged the Council and the international community in general to "redouble their efforts at this critical time to uphold the principles for which the United Nations stands in order to bring an end to this conflict and allow the Palestine to take its rightful place among the community of nations."

Lebanon's Permanent Representative Nawaf Salam pointed out that people across the Middle East are now voicing their aspirations for peace, dignity and better life. "However, let us keep in mind that the greatest source of frustration in our region remains the non-solution of the Arab-Israeli conflict," said Mr. Salam.

"A lasting peace in our part of the world needs to be comprehensive and just peace. It will also require that Israel withdraw fully from the occupied Syrian Golan to the line of 4 June 1967, and from the remaining occupied parts of southern Lebanon," he added.

In total, more than 40 countries are expected to address the Council's during today's day-long debate.