In progress at UNHQ

SG/SM/8868

SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES ISRAEL TO RECONSIDER EXPULSION DECISION

12/09/2003
Press Release
SG/SM/8868


SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES ISRAEL TO RECONSIDER EXPULSION DECISION


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


The Secretary-General strongly urges the Israeli Government to reconsider the Security Cabinet’s decision in principle to expel President Yasser Arafat.  The forcible transfer of President Arafat is dangerous and counter-productive in a situation of tension and instability in the region.


The Secretary-General notes that the trend of developments on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in recent weeks has been increasingly grim.  He urges both sides to live up to their responsibilities under the Quartet’s Road Map and to exercise the utmost restraint and statesmanship.


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For information media. Not an official record.