SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES END TO ISRAELI OCCUPATION

OF ORIENT HOUSE, OTHER PROPERTIES

Following is the text of a statement issued yesterday (12 August) by the Office of the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

Following the seizure by the Israeli authorities of the Orient House and other properties related to Palestinian institutions in East Jerusalem, the Secretary-General received a letter from the Chairman of the Palestinian Authority, Mr. Yasser Arafat, and has also been in touch with him on the telephone.

The Secretary-General considers this action to be an unwise step, which is leading to even greater friction and further violence.  He urges that the occupation of Orient House and the other properties be ended without delay.

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