Readouts
Readout of the Secretary-General's meeting with H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates
Cannes, France, 4 November 2011
The Secretary-General met yesterday with Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates and exchanged on ongoing G20 discussions. The Secretary-General highlighted the importance of unity of purpose regarding development as well as the discussions relating to innovative sources of financing for development.
The Secretary-General and the Foreign Minister also discussed the Middle East peace process and the Palestine membership issue following the decision by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization. The Secretary-General emphasized that now is the time for all sides to exercise restraint so as to step back from the collision course. The Secretary-General expressed his intention to work with the Palestinians, the Israelis, and all other interested parties to that end.
The Secretary-General reiterated deep concern at the recent decision announced by the Government of Israel regarding settlement activity.
The Secretary-General also underlined his support for the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinians to have a viable sovereign state. While noting that admission into UN specialized agencies was a decision for Member States, the Secretary-General expressed his concern over the potential impact it would have on the work of these organizations for millions of people around the world.
The Secretary-General and the Foreign Minister also discussed the situation in Yemen and Syria. In particular, the Secretary-General appreciated efforts by Arab countries to find solutions to these crises. They also discussed the situation in Iran.
Readouts on 4 November 2011