SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES ISRAEL TO RECONSIDER EXPULSION DECISION

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General strongly urges the Israeli Government to reconsider the Security Cabinet’s decision in principle to expel President Yasser Arafat.  The forcible transfer of President Arafat is dangerous and counter-productive in a situation of tension and instability in the region.

The Secretary-General notes that the trend of developments on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in recent weeks has been increasingly grim.  He urges both sides to live up to their responsibilities under the Quartet’s  and to exercise the utmost restraint and statesmanship.
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