SecGen press encounter at Dubat Airport (15 Jan.) – Situation in Gaza – Transcript (excerpts)

Dubai, 15 January 2005 – Secretary-General's press encounter at Dubai Airport with Dubai Television

Q: Your Excellency, the Prime Minister of Israel said that he would cut all contacts with the new Palestinian Government as a consequence of what is happening in Gaza. What does Your Excellency say about that?

SG: First of all, let me say that the attacks that killed the six Israelis is a real blow to the peace process. The Palestinians have managed the transition extremely well. They just had brilliant elections, elected Abu Massen and everyone was looking forward to the resumption and re-energization of the peace process. So what has happened is a real setback. I hope it will be possible to find a way to engage both parties. I offer my sympathy and condolences to those who lost loved ones on both sides. But bloodshed and violence is not going to get us anywhere. And I think the Palestinians should work with the new Prime Minister, and I support him in his engagements with the Israeli Government and with the international community to find a solution to the crisis. This is an opportunity for them to realize their dream, the aspiration for a Palestinian state. And I, as a member of the Quartet, know that all the other three members are determined to put lots of effort into this peace process. So I appeal to them to shy away from violence, to reject violence, support their new leader and let him work with the Israeli Government and the Palestinian people and the international community to fulfill their dreams.

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