New York
UN
Readout of the Secretary-General's telephone conversation with
the Defense Minister of Israel, H.E. Mr Ehud Barak
Readouts | Ban Ki-moon, Former Secretary-General
Readouts | Ban Ki-moon, Former Secretary-General
The Secretary-General spoke by telephone to the Defense Minister of Israel yesterday. They discussed the situation in Gaza including UN projects there, the possibility of new flotillas and the need to resume Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.
With respect to UN projects in Gaza, the Secretary-General welcomed the progress made and urged speedy implementation of the UN Relief and Works Agency's (UNRWA's) housing projects in Khan Yunis and Rafah.
With respect to future flotillas, the Secretary-General hoped that escalation could be avoided. Meaningful steps were needed to ensure that assistance and goods were brought into Gaza through existing land crossings and established channels.
The Secretary-General urged negotiations towards a two-State solution to resume in order to advance the Middle East Peace Process.