After visiting Gaza, UNSCO chief Serry pledges support as Palestinian unity gov’t. takes shape – UNSCO statement

Statement by the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Mr. Robert Serry
on the occasion of his visit to Gaza  Gaza, 8 June 2014

The United Nations Special Coordinator, Mr. Robert Serry, visited Gaza today for the first time  since the signing of the Beach Camp Agreement and the formation of a Palestinian government of national consensus.

While in Gaza, Mr. Serry held a joint meeting at the Ministry of Public Works and Housing with  the following newly appointed Ministers: Minister of Women's Affairs Haifa Al-Agha, Minister of  Labor Mamoun Abu Shahla, Minister of Public Works and Housing Mufeed Al-Hasayneh and  Minister of Justice Salim al-Saqqa.

“I congratulated the Ministers on their appointment and discussed with them the many practical  challenges ahead. I assured them full support of the United Nations which is ready to increase  its considerable programme of works in Gaza, including in the priority areas of water and  energy. Gazans must, as soon as possible, feel the dividends of unity. Open crossings both for  goods and people, access to construction material, re-establishing trade links between the  West Bank and Gaza and exports are urgently needed to kickstart the economy and create job  opportunities. I highlighted in this regard the critical importance for calm to advance this  agenda,” Mr. Serry said.  Serry also expressed hope that the obstacles on the Ministers’ travel would soon be removed  so that the new Government could carry out its duties unimpeded both in Gaza and in the West  Bank. “We count on a constructive approach by all stakeholders, including Israel, and urge all  to refrain from unhelpful actions,” he said.

The United Nations has long underscored the need for progress towards Palestinian unity in  line with existing resolutions, within the framework of the Palestinian Authority and the  commitments of the Palestine Liberation Organization. The formation of the Government of  national consensus is a first step and opportunity to address the serious political, security,  humanitarian and economic challenges ahead.

ENDS