SecGen meets with Foreign Minister of United Arab Emirates – Readout (excerpts)

Cannes, France, 4 November 2011 – Readout of the Secretary-General's meeting with H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates

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The Secretary-General and the Foreign Minister also discussed the Middle East peace process and the Palestine membership issue following the decision by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization. The Secretary-General emphasized that now is the time for all sides to exercise restraint so as to step back from the collision course. The Secretary-General expressed his intention to work with the Palestinians, the Israelis, and all other interested parties to that end.

The Secretary-General reiterated deep concern at the recent decision announced by the Government of Israel regarding settlement activity.

The Secretary-General also underlined his support for the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinians to have a viable sovereign state. While noting that admission into UN specialized agencies was a decision for Member States, the Secretary-General expressed his concern over the potential impact it would have on the work of these organizations for millions of people around the world.

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