SG/SM/7427

SECRETARY-GENERAL SALUTES GROUP'S DECISION TO ADMIT ISRAEL AS TEMPORARY MEMBER

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

I was pleased to learn of the decision of the Western European and Others Group to admit Israel as a temporary member. This step rectifies a long-standing anomaly. It should pave the way for Israel to participate on an equal footing with other nations in the main organs of the United Nations, and it upholds the principle, enshrined in the Charter, of equality among all Member States. This decision is particularly welcome at a time when all people of goodwill are hoping for early and decisive progress in the Middle East peace process.

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United Nations