New York
UN
Statement Attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the Middle East
Statements | Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
Statements | Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
The Secretary-General congratulates Prime Minister Sharon on the historic vote in the Knesset, which produced a clear majority in favour of his initiative to withdraw from Gaza and parts of the northern West Bank.
The Secretary-General remains supportive of a full and complete Israeli withdrawal, leading to the end of the occupation of the Gaza Strip.
The Secretary-General very much hopes that the Israeli withdrawal will have the effect of reviving peace efforts, which must be based on the Roadmap. As such, withdrawal could be an important step towards a process that will eventually result in the end of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, paving the way for the establishment of a sovereign, democratic, viable and contiguous Palestinian state living side by side in peace with a secure Israel.