Geneva
Switzerland
Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on Israel's decision to expel Yasser Arafat
Statements | Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
Statements | Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
The Secretary-General strongly urges the Israeli government to reconsider the Security Cabinet's decision in principle to expel President Yasser Arafat. The forcible transfer of President Arafat is dangerous and counter productive in a situation of tension and instability in the region.
The Secretary-General notes that the trend of developments on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in recent weeks has been increasingly grim. He urges both sides to live up to their responsibilities under the Quartet's Road Map and to exercise the utmost restraint and statesmanship.