BORDER CLOSURES AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS CAUSE CONCERN ABOUT PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY’S
CAPACITY TO CONTINUE FUNCTIONING, SECRETARY-GENERAL STATES
Following is the text of a statement issued today by the Office of the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:
The Secretary-General met this morning with Terje Roed-Larsen, United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, for a general overview of the current situation in the region, including the rising level of violence.
The Secretary-General wishes to express his grave concern at the growing cycle of violence and counter-violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.� He appeals strongly to all concerned to prevent a further escalation of violence, which could have very serious consequences for the entire region.� He reiterates his call to the parties to exercise maximum restraint and caution, and to resume their dialogue in order to achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.
Mr. Roed-Larsen briefed the Secretary-General on the impact of the conflict, border closures and other restrictions on the Palestinian economy and society.� These restrictive measures deprive the Palestinian Authority of necessary financial resources and aggravate the serious economic and social crisis in the occupied territories.� The Secretary-General is very concerned about the capacity of the Palestinian Authority to continue to function, and has raised this matter with Prime Minister-elect Sharon, as well as other international leaders, including United States Secretary of State Powell and European Commission President Prodi.� He has also instructed Mr. Roed-Larsen to undertake urgent consultations with a view to preventing such a destabilizing scenario.
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