Sp. Coordinator to verify Israeli easing of Gaza blockade – SecGen Spokesperson – Noon briefing (excerpts)

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NOON BRIEFING

BY MARTIN NESIRKY

SPOKESPERSON FOR SECRETARY-GENERAL BAN KI-MOON

 U.N. HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK

Friday, June 18, 2010

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U.N SPECIAL COORDINATOR WILL SEEK TO VERIFY DETAILS OF ISRAELI EASING OF GAZA BLOCKADE: In response to a question, Nesirky recalled that the Secretary-general has said he is "encouraged" by Israel's easing of the Gaza blockade. The Secretary-General has also stressed the need for more progress. In that regard, he has instructed the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Robert Serry, to contact the Israeli authorities urgently to look into the practical details of the Israeli decision.  It is in that interaction that the United Nations will be in a position to verify its implementation, Nesirky said, adding that the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) will also have a role in that effort.