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Middle East

The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Terje Roed Larsen, said today the we was "deeply disturbed by the recent Israeli military attacks in the West Bank and Gaza that killed at least 12 Palestinian civilians".

In a statement released today, Larsen urged the Israeli Government to fully investigate these incidents and if breaches of international law are found, hold accountable those in violation.

To that end, Larsen welcomed the announcement by Israel's Defence Minister that he is conducting a speedy inquiry.

“While the killing of so many Palestinian civilians in such a short period has focused the world's attention on this issue he said, deaths of innocents on both sides has been a recurring phenomenon of this conflict”, Larsen said.

He went on to add that he had consistently condemned the suicide bombings by Palestinian groups as morally reprehensible acts of mass murder.

Such attacks, however, he said are no validation for the killing of more innocents.

In his statement he reminded both Israeli and Palestinian authorities that whatever the threat, both must act in accordance with the standards of conduct prescribed by international law.  “No justification can be offered he said, for the intentional or unintentional killing of civilians.”

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Questions and Answers

Question:   Fred, the Secretary-General in his meeting with Tariq Aziz, his comments are stressing the possibility of lifting sanctions.  I am wondering, what did the Secretary-General say to Tariq Aziz about possible progress towards lifting the sanctions and did he press Mr. Aziz on the issue of the United Nations weapons inspectors?

Spokesman:  It was a private meeting.  We haven't said anything about what was said in that meeting.  These comments were made in an interview that happened to have been scheduled before we knew that this meeting would take place.  But clearly, in the meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister, as in the previous three meetings with Iraqi delegations  -- two here in New York and one in Vienna  -- the first item on the Secretary-General's agenda was the return of inspectors.  That's what the Security Council expects will happen, and that's a necessary first step for any progress to be made on the lifting of sanctions.  Yes?

Question:   Fred, to follow up on that. Tariq Aziz had also indicated some possible flexibility about inspectors.  Can you tell us what that might mean or whether he indicated anything to the United Nations about that?

Spokesman:  I can't, except to repeat what I said the Secretary-General said in this " I might as well say it " CNN interview with Charlayne Hunter-Gault that, let me get the precise wording here: “at this stage I cannot say they have taken the decision to allow inspectors”.  Robert?

Question:   Fred, you quoted the Secretary-General as saying that Tariq Aziz was not sure what difference the return of the inspectors might make.  What in his view, if anything, should be done or could be done to persuade the Iraqis that would make a difference?

Spokesman:  I don't think he's in a position to give assurances.  This matter is not between him and Iraq.  It's between the Security Council and Iraq.  The Council has given him their blessing to carry on a dialogue with the Iraqis.  On the matter of the conduct of United Nations inspectors, he has gone a long way to assure the Iraqis that the inspectors will carry out their work in a professional way, that they are all international civil servants reporting directly to Hans Blix, the Head of UNMOVIC.  But he's not in a position to make any commitments on behalf of Security Council members.  Yes, Bill?

Question:   A couple of things on next week.  Do you have yet a list of the bilateral meetings the Secretary-General will be having, including a meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Sabri?

Spokesman:  We don't have that list yet.  I understand that the Iraqi Foreign Minister is one of those who's asked for a meeting with the Secretary-General, but I think his programme is still being finalized, so I can't tell you what that is and we probably will only put it out day-by-day.  Starting at the end of the previous day, we'll release the Secretary-General's programme.  Whether I can -- if you have a specific interest in the meeting with the Foreign Minister, I can see if we can release that in advance once it's set.

Question:   Also concerning next week: When he returns on Monday or any day subsequent, will there be possibilities of press availability of the Secretary-General?

Spokesman:  On his first day back after being away for a while, you traditionally wait for him in the Lobby and he traditionally stops and talks to you for more than just a few minutes.  We'll try to find out whether he will come back on Monday or Tuesday.  I am not sure that we know yet, but you're welcome to wait for him and we'll tell him that you'll be there hoping to talk to him.  Lee?

Question:   Do we have the final list of scheduled speakers for the General Assembly?

Spokesman:  Oh, I don't know what the status of that is.  Come to my office we'll see what we can dig out for you.  Okay?