SECRETARY-GENERAL CONGRATULATES NEW PRIME MINISTER OF PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY, CALLS SWEARING-IN OF ABU MAZEN ‘NOTABLE STEP’ IN BUILDING DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS

SECRETARY-GENERAL CONGRATULATES NEW PRIME MINISTER OF PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY, CALLS SWEARING-IN OF ABU MAZEN ‘NOTABLE STEP’ IN BUILDING DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General congratulates Abu Mazen on his swearing-in as Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority and on the approval of his cabinet by the Palestinian Legislative Council.  He applauds the Council and the President of the Palestinian Authority for taking this notable step in the development of Palestinian democratic institutions.

The Secretary-General looks forward to working closely with Abu Mazen and the Palestinian Government to implement the Quartet’s “road map” and achieve the vision of two States, Palestine and Israel, living side-by-side in peace and security.  He pledges the cooperation and the support of the United Nations to the parties for the implementation of the road map and the quest for peace in the Middle East.

* *** *