Sri Lanka, Nov. 26 -- Statehood for the Palestinians is a right, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Tuesday, while reiterating the call for an end to the unlawful occupation of the Palestinian territory.

In remarks to a special meeting commemorating the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, delivered by Courtenay Rattray, chef de cabinet of the UN chief, Guterres reaffirmed "a simple truth: The Palestinian people have a right to dignity, to justice, and to self-determination."

He called for "irreversible progress towards a two-State solution, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security within their secure and recognized bor...