Implementation of Mitchell Recommendations Key to Mideast Solution: Annan

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, November 30, 2001

Implementation of Mitchell Recommendations Key to Mideast Solution: Annan

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Thursday that the full implementation of a balanced and sensible set of recommendations provided by Mitchell Report will lead the conflicting parties in the Middle East from confidence-building steps to substantive negotiations.

In a massage on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, observed on November 29 every year, the U.N. chief said: "A cease-fire is now desperately needed."

"This year's observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People takes place at a critical time for the Middle East and the world," he said. "Escalating violence and significant loss of life, mostly among Palestinians, but also Israelis, have increased mutual mistrust and animosity between the two communities, and have undermined efforts to build bridges of reconciliation and partnership."

Annan said since the Sharm el-Sheikh Summit in October 2000, international and regional actors have made repeated efforts to bring the parties back to the negotiating table.

"Earlier this year, the Sharm el-Sheikh Fact-Finding Committee, chaired by former U.S. Senator George Mitchell, provided a balanced and sensible set of recommendations which, if implemented, would lead the parties from confidence-building steps to substantive negotiations," he said.

"I believe that full implementation of the Mitchell recommendations offers the best route to a peaceful solution, based on Resolutions 242 and 338 and the principle of land for peace," he added.

"The horrific terrorist attacks of 11 September have had a profound impact on events all over the world," he said. "In the case of the Middle East, there is a renewed sense of urgency to find a peaceful solution to the question of Palestine."

Annan urged the international donor community to provide much- needed budgetary support to the Palestinian Authority and its institutions, and essential emergency relief to the Palestinian population.

Besides the Secretary-General, President of the General Assembly Han Seung-soo, President of the Security Council Patricia Durrant and a representative of Palestine, also addressed the meeting in observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

Sharon Reiterates 7-day of Quiet as Precondition for Peace Efforts

Israel Considers New Talks Based on Mitchell Report, Says Peres