SECRETARY-GENERAL’S PRESS ENCOUNTER FOLLOWING HIS ATTENDANCE AT SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING ON PEACEKEEPING,

17 MAY 2004

(unofficial transcript)

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Q:  Mr. Secretary, how do you see the picture in Gaza and Rafah this day?

SG:  I did say something about that on Friday.  I am really distressed that the destruction of houses continues.  It really is causing a very difficult and painful situation for the people of Palestine.  It is making it very difficult for UNRWA to carry out its activities, and I appeal to the Israeli government to stop this destruction, which is against international humanitarian law.

Q:  Any comment or follow up on Israel’s accusation that UN ambulances were being used to ferry out body parts of Israeli soldiers?

SG:  We are investigating those allegations seriously.


Document Type: Press Release
Document Sources: Secretary-General
Subject: House demolitions, Incidents, Shelter, Situation in the OPT including Jerusalem
Publication Date: 17/05/2004