Statement by the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Mr. Robert Serry
on the passing of Dr. Ron Pundak
Jerusalem, 11 April 2014
It is with a heavy heart that I learned of the death of Dr. Ron Pundak today. I knew Ron as somebody tirelessly working for peace, as co-founder of the Economic Cooperation Forum, one of the initiators of the Oslo peace process and co-founder of the Geneva Initiative. He was passionately dedicated to a sustainable and prosperous future for Israel and its standing in the region and in the world. Together with others, he showed that peace is possible, in fact, necessary, even in the face of tremendous setbacks, adversity, and skepticism. As Director of the Peres Center for Peace and co-chair of the Palestinian-Israeli Peace NGO Forum, he continued his work for peace until the very end of his life. His legacy lives on in the hope that peace will one day be achieved and in the vision of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.
I send my deep condolences to Ron’s family, his colleagues and partners, and all those longing for peace.
ENDS
Document Sources: United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO)
Subject: Negotiations and agreements, Palestine question, Peace process
Publication Date: 11/04/2014