The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Mr. Robert H. Serry visited Birzeit University on 23^rd April 2009, to meet senior faculty members, students and to deliver an address entitled, ‘The UN and the Middle East Peace Process.

Mr. Serry was hosted by Birzeit University's Vice-President Dr. Abdel-Latif Abu-Hijleh for Academic Affairs, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr. Camille Mansour, the Law Institute Director, Dr. Ghassan Faramand and the Director of Public Relations, Mr. Ghassan Andoni.

In his talk to students and faculty members of the Faculty of Law and Public Administration, Mr. Serry spoke of his long involvement as a diplomat with the Palestinian issue which began in the 1980's during his time with the Dutch Foreign Ministry including his participation in the Madrid Peace Conference.

Mr. Serry talked of his commitment and that of the UN to resolve the numerous problems confronting the Palestinian people, "what guides me in all of my work are the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the principle of land for peace, the requirement that the occupation must end and with it, the conflict."

The UN Special Coordinator acknowledged the difficulties in achieving these aims but he stated that, "ending the occupation and seeing the creation of two states living side by side in peace and security is the only way forward and our international responsibility. We cannot give up because no Palestinian state has emerged so far."

Mr. Serry spoke of the urgent need for Palestinian reconciliation to achieve statehood. "The UN stands ready to work with any Palestinian government under President Abbas that emerges from the reconciliation process." He underlined the UN's determination to assist the people in Gaza and start the process of reconstruction.

He concluded by emphasizing the strong international consensus today for a two State solution, the commitment of the new US Administration to this goal and the importance of the Arab Peace Initiative.

"We can no longer accept process without peace.  There can be no more talks without results.  The UN, the Quartet and the international community are focused on achievements in parallel with progress on the negotiation track".

Following his speech Mr. Serry toured the Birzeit University campus meeting students. He was also given a presentation on the ‘Right for Education Campaign' highlighting the problems faced by Palestinian students attempting to continue their studies under occupation.