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| By israelinsider staff and partners March 25, 2007 |
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United Nations Sec.-Gen. Ban Ki-moon arrived in Israel Saturday evening on his first official visit here since his appointment to the head of the UN.
On Saturday evening Ban stated, "I believe this is a moment of gathering dynamism. Contacts between Israeli and Palestinian leaders have resumed, the Quartet has become more active and hopes to meet soon in the region itself... and there is a renewed determination in the Arab world to reinvigorate the 2002 peace initiative. Our challenge is to weave these strands of potential into a fabric of tangible progress."
Ban's visit coincides with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's latest shuttle to the region. Rice is here to explore the so-called Saudi plan and see how it can help to facilitate the realization of President George W. Bush's "two-state-solution."
Bush reiterated Friday that he still believes peace will come when Israel and Palestine live side-by-side.
Ban told the press at Ben Gurion International Airport, "I hope that I have the chance to deal with the Middle East issue from up close and to advance real steps towards peace."
He added, "I came here to get a clear picture of what is happening in the region. I mean to discuss the challenges we face with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and with other Israeli officials. I will do the same with Abbas and his senior ministers in Ramallah. I am convinced that there are many issues that unify nations and peoples -- to promise Israel's security while enabling an independent Palestinian state, with the two peoples living without the threat of violence.
"Those who believe in coexistence will do the utmost to find an alternative that will provide hope for peace and justice," the Sec.-Gen. said.
Ban met with Defense Minister Amir Peretz in Jerusalem soon after his arrival Saturday. He is also scheduled to meet with Condoleezza Rice once she arrives Sunday, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Monday, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and senior PA ministers on Sunday, Ynetnews reported.
Ban has said that he has no intentions of meeting with Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh.
Arab leaders have already made it clear that they will be discussing the Saudi plan during the summit and are unwilling to change any of its attributes.
Various Israeli lawmakers have described this plan as "suicidal for Israel."
Stan Goodenough of Jerusalem Newswire contributed to this article. |
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