Mideast peace process – SecGen spokesperson – Noon briefing (excerpts)

DAILY PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OFFICE OF THE

SPOKESPERSON FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today’s noon briefing by Martin Nesirky, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

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Questions and Answers

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Question: The talks between Israelis and Palestinians have reached a crucial stage.  Now, what steps can the Secretary-General take or will be able to push this process forward meaningfully?  Between all the reports and everything, everything is stalled.

Spokesperson:  Yesterday evening, Senator [George] Mitchell placed a call to the Secretary-General, and they obviously discussed the proximity talks.  I can tell you they agreed the proximity talks are indeed hugely important and they are a step on the road to the direct talks which everyone is obviously talking about.  The Secretary-General assured Senator Mitchell that he would be doing his utmost to play his part to do what he can, to speak to the relevant parties to encourage the parties to move towards direct talks.

Question: I know this is a conversation you are telling us, between the Secretary-General and Senator Mitchell; I appreciate that.  What are the steps that the Secretary-General himself is taking?

Spokesperson:  Well, I’ve just said he will do his utmost and he’s assured Senator Mitchell that he will be playing his part in reaching out to the parties.  That’s what he’s been doing, that’s part of the leadership that he’s shown on this matter.  He’s received many phone calls, placed many phone calls, had many visitors — he’s been to the region.  He remains, individually and, crucially within the Quartet context, fully engaged in this topic.

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For information media • not an official record