Mideast situation/Palestine question - SecGen press conference on UN report "In Larger Freedom/Noon Briefing - Spokesman's Office (excerpts)

HIGHLIGHTS OF SECRETARY-GENERAL KOFI ANNAN'S PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE UN REPORT "IN LARGER FREEDOM"

UN HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK

Monday, 21 March, 2005

SECRETARY-GENERAL’S OPENING REMARKS AT PRESS CONFERENCE TO LAUNCH “IN GREATER FREEDOM” REPORT

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SUMMARY OF QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

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On the Middle East

Asked about the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, he said he had seen signs for optimism during his recent visit to the region, when he met with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Deputy Prime Minister Shimon Peres, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and others. He emphasized the importance of following up on the Summit held recently in Sharm El-Shaikh, Egypt, and congratulated Egypt and Jordan for their work in organizing that Summit.
But while there is optimism, the Secretary-General added, all sides realize it is fragile, and that they need to take more steps, including progress on their commitments and the reform of Palestinian institutions.
Asked what message he was sending to all Member States when, just last week, he had refused to visit the wall constructed by Israel, the Secretary-General said that the General Assembly decision on the International Court of Justice decision was clear, and they gave the UN a mandate to establish a register for damages caused by the barrier. He did not believe that any Member State felt he had abrogated his mandate by taking or not taking action.

On Syria and Lebanon

Asked about Syria and Lebanon, the Secretary-General said, "We are making progress." Syria has committed to full withdrawal, he said, and the United Nations will work with them to ensure that it is done. Lebanon has to form a new government and then will have elections, he added, noting that we need to make sure that no security vacuum is created, and that Lebanese forces will move in promptly.
Asked when the report by Peter Fitzgerald will be released, the Secretary-General said that he hoped to give the report to the Security Council this Thursday.

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SECRETARY-GENERAL DISTURBED BY BEIRUT CAR BOMBING

The Secretary-General was deeply disturbed to learn of the explosion of a car bomb in Beirut in the early morning hours of 19 March, which left eleven people injured. He wishes those injured in the bombing a speedy recovery.
The Secretary-General is greatly concerned about the rising tension in Lebanon and appeals to all parties concerned to exert utmost efforts to safeguard the stability and national unity of the country.

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Mideast situation/Palestine question – SecGen press conference on UN report “In Larger Freedom/Noon Briefing – Spokesman’s Office (excerpts)