The UN Security Council Friday voiced its expectation that the new Palestinian government, yet to be formed by Hamas, will remain committed to peace and seek a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

After closed-door consultations, the 15-nation council issued a statement hailing last month's Palestinian legislative elections as "free, fair and secure," which were won surprisingly by Hamas, the Islamic Resistance Movement.

The statement, read by U.S. Ambassador John Bolton, the council's president for February, welcomed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' affirmation that the Palestinian Authority remains committed to the roadmap peace plan, previous agreements and a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"The Security Council notes that major donors have indicated that they will review future assistance to a new Palestinian Authority government against that government's commitment to the principles of non-violence, recognition of Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations," it said.

The council also reminded the Palestinians and Israel of their obligations under the roadmap peace plan and called on them to avoid unilateral actions which prejudice final status issues.

"The Security Council underlines the need for the Palestinian Authority to prevent terrorist attacks and dismantle the infrastructure of terror," the statement said, repeating the council's call for a halt to settlement activity in occupied Palestinian territories.

"The Security Council reaffirms its profound attachment to the vision of two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security," said the statement.

Source: Xinhua