Mideast situation/G8/G20 meetings – SecGen remarks to the press (Excerpts)

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The Secretary-General — Remarks at a Press Briefing

 

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Q:  Secretary-General, certainly in your bilateral meetings with the leaders of the G20 and the G8, you probably came across the situation in the Middle East, especially in Jerusalem.  And if a war breaks out in the Middle East, it will be certainly be a big impediment to any progress with regard to your MDGs.  How did you discuss the situation, especially in the light of the demolition of more houses in Jerusalem and the whole situation in the Middle East and the threat to peace there?

SG:  I had some opportunities of engaging with some key leaders, including the European Union and other key leaders.  The situation in the Middle East is always a key concern of the international community and myself, and we discussed, in depth, how to help and encourage continuing proximity talks and how to bring more fundamental changes in the Gaza blockade.  And, also I informed the leaders that my proposal for the investigation on the flotilla raid is still on the table.   And it is, at this time, important that these proximity talks continue, and we really do not even think about any scenario of this situation in the Middle East rushing into a more violent or dangerous situation as you suggest – this is not our scenario.  And I understand that Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu is coming to the United States to meet with President [Barack] Obama early next month.  I hope this will also provide a good opportunity for the two leaders to discuss, more in-depth, how to bring peace in the Middle East.

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