Situation in the OPT – SecGen meets with Jewish org. and with Perm.Observer of Palestine – Press release

SECRETARY-GENERAL DISCUSSES WITH PRESIDENTS OF MAJOR JEWISH ORGANIZATIONS AND PALESTINE OBSERVER PLANS CONCERNING DEPORTEES. MIDEAST PEACE TALKS

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali:

On Tuesday, 2 February, the Secretary-General received a delegation representing the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations. They discussed the arrangements recently announced by the Governments of Israel and the United States concerning the deportees. The Secretary-General said that he would welcome this development, provided it was a first step towards implementation of Security Council resolution 799 (1992) During their discussions, the representatives of the Conference of Presidents requested the Secretary-General to urge the Palestinians to continue the peace negotiations with Israel.

Yesterday, 3 February, the Secretary-General received the Permanent Observer of Palestine, M. Nasser Al-Kidwa. During the meeting, the Secretary-General conveyed to Dr. Al-Kidwa the message he had received from the Conference of Presidents. Dr. Al-Kidwa replied that while the Palestinians attach great importance to the peace process and look forward to its continuation, it will not be possible for them to resume negotiations with Israel until resolution 799 is fully implemented.

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