Comments by Kieran Prendergast, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, following a briefing to the Security Council, at the Secretary-General's request, on the Secretary-General's position on the Jenin fact-finding team, (unofficial transcript)

Well, I've briefed the Security Council on the Israeli government decision. I told them that in the Secretary-General's view a thorough, credible and balanced report on recent events in Jenin refugee camp would not be possible without the full cooperation of the government of Israel. I recalled that the team had been established on the basis of assurances of full Israeli cooperation. Indeed, Security Council Resolution 1405, tabled by the United States, was initiated on the same basis.

Secondly, I advised the Council that events on the ground were moving rapidly, and with every passing day it becomes more difficult to determine what took place on the ground in Jenin. The Council has called for the team to gather accurate information on the events in Jenin camp, and again that becomes more difficult with every passing day.

In the circumstances, and since it appears from today's Cabinet statement by Israel that the difficulties in the way of deployment of the fact-finding team will not be resolved any time soon, the Secretary-General is minded to disband the team and I have so informed the Council.

I have no further comment at this time. Thank you very much. *****