SecGen press encounter – Middle East developments – Transcript (excerpts)

SECRETARY-GENERAL’S PRESS ENCOUNTER UPON ARRIVAL AT UNHQ, 17 JANUARY 2005

SG:  Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.  

…

Q:  Mr. Secretary-General, on the Middle East, I know you have been very concerned because of the break off in contacts, are you yourself doing anything to try and help get the peace process back on track or is there anything you think should be done?

SG:  I think all the members of the Quartet are worried about this latest development.  We were all hopeful that there was a new opening, a new opportunity that should be exploited to reenergize the process, and we are all going to do whatever we can with both sides to get the process back on track, and to give the new Palestinian authority as much help as we can with its own reform process, and particularly the restructuring of the security forces.

Thank you very much.