23 June 2000
Press Release
SG/T/2240
ACTIVITIES OF SECRETARY-GENERAL IN PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY, 22 JUNE
On his way to Damascus from Jerusalem, the Secretary-General travelled to Ramalah to meet with Yassir Arafat, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and President of the Palestinian Authority. President Arafat presented the Secretary-General with a medal, the Bethlehem 2000 Award, normally given to visiting Heads of State. The Secretary-General briefed President Arafat on the latest developments on southern Lebanon and the two went on to discuss the state of the Middle East peace process.
At a press encounter after the meeting, Mr. Arafat said that the Palestinians just want full implementation of existing agreements. "Mr. Secretary-General", he concluded, "we need you, we need your good offices, we need your efforts to move the peace process forward". The Secretary-General responded that the United Nations would continue to support United States mediation efforts "in any way we can".
The Secretary-General and his party then returned to Amman, Jordan, by car, from where they flew to Damascus, Syria.
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Document Type: Multimedia, Press Release
Document Sources: Secretary-General
Subject: Bethlehem 2000, Middle East situation, Palestine question, Peace process, Self-government area/developments, Situation in Lebanon
Publication Date: 22/06/2000