Palestinian elections – SecGen statement – Press release

SECRETARY-GENERAL CONGRATULATES PLO CHAIRMAN YASSIR ARAFAT ON HIS ELECTION

TO PRESIDENCY OF EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY OF PALESTINIAN COUNCIL

The following statement is attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General:

The Secretary-General extends his congratulations to Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Chairman Yassir Arafat on his election Saturday to the Presidency of the Executive Authority of the Palestinian Council, and on the election of the Council's 88 members.

The holding of these historic elections, and the widespread participation in them by Palestinian voters in the Gaza Strip, West Bank and East Jerusalem, constitute an important step towards the achievement of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, providing a solid base towards their self-determination.

The Secretary-General hopes that the elections will reinforce the parties' commitment to make further progress in their negotiations in the Middle East peace process, concluding the interim arrangements and reaching agreement on the permanent status issues outlined in the Declaration of Principles signed by Israel and the PLO in September 1993.

The United Nations will continue to support the peace process in every possible way, in particular through the provision of economic and social assistance to the Palestinians.

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