UNSC concerned over deteriorating situation in Palestinian lands

The UNSC expressed concern over the situation in the Palestinian self-rule areas and nonstop violation of human rights there.

In a statement following an in-camera consultative session at the Arab group's request, the council expressed concern over Israel's failure to implement its resolutions 1397, 1402 and 1403.

In a statement by the chairman of the council he termed Israel's policy in the occupied territories as unacceptable and accused the power in control of maintaining violence on the ground.

Chairman of the council, the Russian ambassador, said that members of the council insist that parties involved should implement immediately all UN resolutions especially 1402, 1403.

The Russian ambassador stressed the need to implement the ceasefire and the Israeli pullout without delay from all Palestinians cities and towns.

The statement urged both parties to fully cooperate and in good will with the ministers and the special envoys especially as the new mission of the U.S Secretary of State Colin Powell in the area has just started.

The council appealed to the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to keep the council posted on efforts exerted to guarantee that its resolutions are implemented.

The council said it will closely follow up developments in the Mideast.

It also expressed concern over the violation of the blue line on the Lebanon Israel borders and called anew on Israelis and Lebanese to implement resolutions 425 and 426.

On the other hand, Egypt's permanent delegate to the UN ambassador Ahmad Abul Gheit said that following the formal council's meeting the UNSC chief met with the ambassadors of Israel and Palestine separately.

He presented the Israeli ambassador with several inquiries and asked for an Israeli reply, Abul Gheit said.