Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the resignation of Palestinian Prime Minister Abu Mazen

The Secretary-General very much hopes that the resignation of Palestinian Prime Minister Abu Mazen will not derail efforts, embodied in the Quartet Road Map, to forge peace between Israelis and Palestinians. He believes it is important that the democratically elected Palestinian institutions reach consensus on the appointment of a credible and fully empowered prime Minister, with all the necessary authority and means to implement Palestinian obligations under the Road Map.