Annan calls Israel to cease actions that could prejudice final status issues
Palestine-Israel-UN, Politics, 4/27/2006

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan called on Israel to cease settlement activity and actions that could prejudice final status issues.

In a message to the United Nations Seminar on Assistance to the Palestinian People in Cairo, delivered by Angela Kane, Assistant Secretary-General, Annan said that Israel must recognize that a peaceful solution to the conflict cannot be imposed unilaterally or outside the framework of a comprehensive regional peace.

Annan also called upon the Palestinian National Authority to reaffirm Palestinian commitment to the principles of non-violence, recognition of Israel's right to exist and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including the Roadmap peace plan.

He expressed his respect for the Palestinians democratic choice, hoping that the new Palestinian Cabinet will address their aspirations for peace and statehood, as articulated by President Mahmoud Abbas.

On the economic crisis in Palestinian occupied areas, Annan expressed concern at the prospect of a further deterioration in the living conditions of the Palestinian people.

"Israel continues to withhold tax clearance revenues it collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority, despite its obligations under the Paris protocol, and the contraction of economic activity is expected to reduce Palestinian domestic tax revenues," he said.

He said that a combination of factors is coming together that could precipitate a humanitarian crisis: key donors have discontinued direct support to the Palestinian Authority; Israel continues to withhold tax clearance revenues it collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority, and the contraction of economic activity is expected to reduce Palestinian domestic tax revenues.

In addition, he said the irregular operation of the Karni commercial crossing between Gaza and Israel and the system of internal closures in the West Bank hinder the movement of people and goods, exacerbating poverty and unemployment, and adding to the humiliation and hardship caused by barrier construction and other factors.

According to the message, he pledged to increase scale of UN assistance to the Palestinian, urging intensified donor support to the Palestinians, while stressing that the Palestinian government remains critical to averting a humanitarian crisis. "Increased UN and NGO [non-governmental organization] activity cannot fill the void that would be created were the institutions of the Palestinian Authority to be unable to do so," Annan said.

Referring to daily hardships, Annan said that Israel imposed considerable daily hardship and humiliation on the Palestinian population, as does the continued construction of a separation wall on occupied Palestinian territories, despite the advisory of the International Court of Justice.

He reiterated his call on both Palestinian and Israeli to abide by their obligations under international law, and refrain from further actions that might escalate the situation and put citizens at risk.

Annan concluded the international community must find a way to advance the goal of the two-state solution, which is vital to the peace and security of both peoples and the region, saying that the UN will continue to support international efforts aimed at bringing an end to the occupation that began in 1967, and achieving a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement leading to peace, stability and prosperity in the Middle East.

Previous Stories:
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  Al-Mubadarah Warns against Israel's Policy of Starvation   (4/26/2006)
  President Abbas for international conference on Palestinian-Israeli conflict   (4/26/2006)
  Annan: Israel has to take meaningful steps to alleviate Palestinian suffering   (4/13/2006)
  UN chief calls for giving Hamas its opportunity   (2/10/2006)
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