Security Council

4503^rd Meeting (Night)

SECURITY COUNCIL CALLS ON BOTH MIDDLE EAST PARTIES TO MOVE

IMMEDIATELY TO ‘MEANINGFUL CEASEFIRE’

CORRECTION

On page 15 of Press Release SC/7348 issued 29 March, the statement by the representative of Turkey should read, as follows:

ALTAY CENGIZER (Turkey) aligned himself with the statement made for the European Union.  He was increasingly worried about the cycle of violence.  He condemned all acts of terror and said he was horrified by the images of civilians in “baths of blood”.  He also condemned the recent killing of a high-ranking official in the international presence of Hebron and called for an investigation.

All acts of violence must cease, if resolution 1397 was to be implemented, he said.  Chairman Arafat was the leader of the Palestinians and was, therefore, the legitimate interlocutor with the Israelis.  Chairman Arafat becoming a martyr would not serve any purpose; the siege of his headquarters should be lifted.

He welcomed the statement that the road of peace could be walked together.  Israel should show restraint and heed the calls of the international community.  Every passing day showed the inherent values of the Mitchell report and the Tenet plan.  Turkey was ready to contribute to peace in any way it could.  Both parties knew which road they should take and how to assure hope.

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