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Guterres says Mideast in dilemma

NEW YORK, Jan 16 (KUNA) -- UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said Tuesday the Middle East was iin a dilemma amidst a growing risk of an escalation, calling on Palestinians and Israelis to return to negotiations' table.
"There is no alternative plan for the two-state solution," Guterres said before UN General Assembly about priorities for 2018.
He said recent developments showed a decline in the support of the two-state solutions amidst a fading role of the moderates and a growing role of the "extremists." US President Donald Trump had late last year recognized Jerusalem as capital of Israel and said he would move the American embassy from Tel Aviv to the occupied city.
Trump's decision triggered outrage worldwide, and questioning whether the two-state solution was still achievable.
Guterres, meanwhile, called for the stability and sovereignty of Lebanon.
He also reaffirmed backing to the political process in Syria, and territorial unity of Iraq. (end) asf.bs