SECRETARY-GENERAL’S PRESS ENCOUNTER, 29 NOVEMBER 2004
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Q: Mr. Annan, you just said now that there is a new chance for peace maybe around the corner. You were just in Sharm el Sheikh. What makes you very optimistic? What you heard from the Quartet meeting that makes you so optimistic about a new chance for peace?
SG: My sense is that all the parties, particularly the members of the Quartet, are determined to put much more energy into the peace process. We also hope that the parties themselves are ready to reengage, and reengage in a sustained manner. So the signs are good. I am also very happy with the way the Palestinian people have managed the transition and I wish them very successful elections on the 9th of January, and once that is done I hope the new leader and the Israeli Prime Minister and all the international community will work very hard for peace in that region.
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Document Sources: Secretary-General
Subject: Palestine question, Peace process, Quartet
Publication Date: 29/11/2004