Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the appointment of Mr. James Wolfensohn as the Quartet's Special Envoy for the Gaza Disengagement

The Secretary-General warmly welcomes today's decision by the Quartet to appoint Mr. James Wolfensohn as Special Envoy for Gaza Disengagement. He sees this as an important step towards realizing the vision of the Road Map: Two states –a secure Israel and a sovereign, democratic, independent and contiguous Palestine –living side by side in peace and security.

The Secretary-General believes that Mr. Wolfensohn's blend of vision and experience make him uniquely qualified for the task of overseeing and coordinating the international community's efforts in support of the Disengagement initiative. He will have a particular role to play in relation to the methodology of withdrawal, including the disposition of assets, and the post withdrawal revival of the Palestinian economy, including investment and financing.