SECURITY COUNCIL PRESS STATEMENT ON SITUATION IN MIDDLE EAST

Following is a press statement on the situation in the Middle East, delivered today by the Security Council President, Nassir Abdulaziz al-Nasser ( Qatar):

The members of the Security Council welcomed the agreement between Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to establish a mutual ceasefire in Gaza.

The members of the Security Council welcomed the steps taken by both sides to maintain the ceasefire and expressed their hope that it would lead to a sustained period of calm.  They called on both sides, therefore, to avoid any actions which could jeopardize further progress.  They reiterated their call for an end to all aspects of terrorism and violence, as set out in previous statements and resolutions.

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For information media • not an official record