PRESS STATEMENT BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT ON MIDDLE EAST

Following is the text of a statement this evening by the President of the Security Council, Richard Ryan (Ireland), on the situation in the Middle East:

Members of the Security Council met today to discuss the situation in the Middle East.  Members were deeply concerned by the escalation in violence and deplored the loss of life on both sides.

Members supported statements in capitals calling for immediate withdrawal of all Israeli forces from Area A.

Members fully supported the important diplomatic initiatives to de-escalate the situation on the ground.

Members strongly supported all the elements contained in the statement issued this evening by representatives in the region of the European Union, the United States, the Russian Federation, and the Special Coordinator of the United Nations Secretary-General.

Members welcomed the resumption tomorrow of tripartite security meetings.

Members agreed that the Security Council should speak with one voice on this matter.  It was agreed to keep the situation under close review in light of further developments, and to revert to it once again in the coming days.

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