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UNRWA PRESS RELEASE |
Press Release No. HQ/G/36/2004 28 October 2004 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Statement Attributable to the Spokesman
for the Secretary-General on UNRWA
The Secretary-General has reviewed the report by the Investigation Team from the Secretariat which has inquired into the Israeli allegations against UNRWA personnel.
The Secretary-General takes note of the team's conclusion that the allegation that a rocket was loaded into an UNRWA ambulance was unjustified as the object, in fact, was a folding stretcher of the type carried as normal equipment in UNRWA ambulances. He also takes note that, following the team's visit, the Government of Israel has admitted that it wrongly identified the stretcher as a Qassam Rocket and has publicly withdrawn the allegations.
The Secretary-General acknowledges the cooperation of the Government of Israel with the United Nations team in dealing with this inquiry. He expects that any issues of this nature will be addressed through normal diplomatic channels. He welcomes the offer of the Israeli authorities to work towards strengthening their cooperation with the United Nations and UNRWA.
The Secretary-General reiterates his full confidence in the integrity and impartiality of Mr. Peter Hansen, Commissioner-General of UNRWA. He commends UNRWA personnel for their dedication in providing vital assistance under very difficult circumstances to the Palestinian refugee communities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the region.
New York
27 October 2004
Document Type: Press Release
Document Sources: Secretary-General, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
Subject: Incidents, Palestine question, Refugee camps, Situation in the OPT including Jerusalem
Publication Date: 27/10/2004