The Czech Republic believes that our common goal - which is State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable State of Palestine, living side by side in peace and security - can only be reached through the process of direct negotiations. We do not agree with any unilateral steps that may hamper or jeopardize the peace process leading to the two-state solution.

The Czech Republic voted against the Palestinian motion in the United Nations General Assembly to grant them the status of non-member observer state because we are afraid that it might result in further delay in the resumption of the negotiating process. We fully support the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinians for their statehood and stand ready to contribute to its materialization through our support to the process of direct negotiations.