Key powers reach agreement on UN draft resolution on Gaza

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-09-2009 09:34

Key Arab nations and Western powers have reached agreement on elements of a UN draft resolution, which calls for an immediate and durable cease-fire between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip.

That's according to the head of the Arab League, Amr Moussa.

Amr Moussa, left, Arab League Secretary-General, talks with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon before the start of a meeting of Arab Foreign Ministers Committee on  Palestine, Monday, Jan. 5, 2009 at United Nations  headquarters. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Thursday's draft stresses the urgency of and calls for a cease-fire that will pave the way for a full withdrawal of Israeli forces in the territory.

It also condemns all violence and hostilities directed against civilians as well as all acts of terrorism.

The draft calls on UN member states to intensify efforts to prevent illicit trafficking of arms and ammunition, and also to ensure the sustained re-opening of border crossings to Gaza.

Diplomats say the exact wording of the text is being fine-tuned by ministers behind closed doors.