UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called Israeli and Palestinian leaders to surmount domestic political pressures and take bold steps to achieve peace in the region. According to a statement of UN, in a message to a United Nations meeting under way in Lisbon, Portugal, Ban told that it is vital for the parties to refrain from provocations and seize this opportunity while proximity talks are under way. He stressed that a two-State solution is vital for Israel to maintain its democratic character and identity and gain security and legitimacy throughout the region. He added that it is also essential for Palestinians to achieve genuine freedom and national self-determination, and to end the occupation.