17 Dec 2008

Honour obligations, Israelis, Palestinians told

8:28 pm on 17 December 2008

The United Nations Security Council has passed its first resolution on the Middle East in five years.

The council says that the United States-sponsored process between the Israelis and Palestinians is irreversible and calls on both sides to fulfil their obligations.

The resolution was passed by 14 of the 15 members.

Libya abstained, criticising the resolution for not condemning Israel's treatment of Palestinians.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says progress towards a peace agreement is the only way forward.