DATE=10/02/00
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-267355
TITLE=ANNAN / MIDEAST (L-O)
BYLINE=LISA SCHLEIN
DATELINE=GENEVA
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: U-N Secretary General Kofi Annan says the United Nations is working hard to try end the latest crisis between Israelis and Palestinians. Lisa Schlein in Geneva reports Mr. Annan says he remains in touch with the Israeli and Palestinian leaders.
TEXT: Kofi Annan calls the violence in the Middle East very worrying. He says he has appealed to Israeli President Ehud Barak and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to do whatever they can to end the violence.
/// ANNAN ACT ///
I would hope that we will be able to settle this. It is tragic. Far too many people have lost their lives and are wounded. At a time when everyone was hopeful that we could move the peace process forward and that issues that had not been discussed before are now on the table and that with a bit of creativity and energy and will, we will find a solution.
/// END ACT ///
The violence in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Jerusalem erupted Thursday after Israeli opposition leader Ariel Sharon visited a site in old Jerusalem holy to both Muslims and Jews.
These are the worst clashes between Israelis and Palestinians since 1996. Mr. Annan says his special representative is on the ground and is working with the mediators and negotiating parties. He says he hopes these events will not force an end to the peace talks.
/// ANNAN 2ND ACT ///
This crisis should not derail the peace process. In fact, it should give us yet another incentive, yet another reason if we needed it, to press ahead with the peace process. I am in touch with the leaders and I will continue my efforts.
/// END ACT ///
Mr. Annan says the United Nations is following very closely and very critically the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. He says he will do whatever he can to help the parties move forward. (SIGNED)
NEB/LS/KL/RAE
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