Military

DATE=10/20/00

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-N-Mideast (L Only)

NUMBER=2-268232

BYLINE=Breck Ardery

DATELINE=United Nations

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan appealed today (Friday) for calming words as the U-N General Assembly began a second emergency session on the violence in the Middle East. V-O-A Correspondent Breck Ardery reports from the United Nations.

TEXT: Mr. Annan delivered a formal report on his visit to the Mideast and the agreement to end the violence that was reached at Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt. He said it is only natural that the events of the last few weeks should arouse strong feelings. Mr. Annan said he also has strong feelings and decried the loss of life on both sides.

However, he cautioned members of the General Assembly not to further inflame passions.

/// ANNAN ACT ///

I want to see the violence ended and the peace process put back on track. That is why I went to the region at such short notice and with such uncertain prospects of success. But I believe that you, the General Assembly, can make a real difference. We are not yet certain whether or not normalcy will be restored. We can only wait and hope. The next few days are vital. Meanwhile, we should remember that, as I said at Sharm el-Sheik, words can inflame or soothe, and everyone needs a restoration of calm and quiet so as to create the best possible atmosphere for a resumption of peace talks.

/// END ACT ///

The General Assembly is expected to vote on a strongly worded resolution sponsored by Arab nations that would condemn Israel for the use of excessive force against Palestinian civilians.

/// REST OPT ///

The United States says such a resolution is one-sided and inflammatory and plans to oppose it. But U-S ambassador Richard Holbrooke told reporters he does understand the passions that have inspired it.

/// HOLBROOKE ACT ///

I think that the tragic events in the Mideast in the last two weeks were like ripping a Band-Aid (bandage) off a scar that was only just beginning to heal. When the Band-Aid got ripped off the blood clot got ripped off too and the blood started flowing again.

/// END ACT ///

General Assembly resolutions, unlike those approved by the U-N Security Council, do not carry the force of international law. However, they do reflect international opinion. Diplomats say that while a General Assembly resolution condemning Israel will likely be approved, the United States is vigorously lobbying members for "no" votes and abstentions. (Signed)

NEB/UN/BA/LSF/JP