Mideast settlement/Palestine question – Transcript of SecGen’s press encounter in Bern (1 July 2003) – SecGen Spokesman’s Office press release (excerpts)

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Q: Do you share the White House's feeling that the Palestinian Authority should also push for dismantling of Hamas and Islamic Jihad?

SG: Let me say that I am encouraged by the developments of the last 72 hours, as a member of the Quartet, I think I can speak for all the members, that we are all pleased and we hope that this is only a beginning. We see this as a beginning; we have quite a way to travel. I think the decision of the Palestinians groups to agree a cease-fire is an important one. We are seeking a political solution and I think at the end I would want to see a situation where all these movements and groups are transformed into political parties to play a role in democratic Palestine and I think this is the direction we should encourage them to go.