Ban Ki-moon
© unknownUN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has said that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state is "long overdue," stressing the need for a just and lasting solution to the issue of Palestine.

"The establishment of a Palestinian State ... is long overdue," the UN chief said in a message marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

He noted that a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must end the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian lands that has led to the homelessness of millions of Palestinian refugees.

"The need to resolve this conflict has taken on greater urgency with the historic transformations taking place across the region," he added.

Acting Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas lodged a formal statehood request with the UN Security Council in September.

The United States has threatened to veto the bid and has been lobbying the UN member countries to vote against the motion.