5 May 2006
Secretary-General
SG/SM/10443
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Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York
Secretary-General says United Nations, American jewish committee bound to gather
In global mission of preventing genocide, protecting human rights
Following are UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s remarks to the American Jewish Committee Centennial Dinner in Washington, D.C., 4 May:
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I welcome the passion with which Prime Minister Olmert spoke, on the night of Israel’s recent general election, about the need to create the conditions in which both peoples will be able to fulfil their dreams of prosperity and peace.
We are all painfully aware that he and President Abbas must overcome enormous obstacles in order to achieve true security for Israelis and statehood for Palestinians. Some of those obstacles seem to have become even more insurmountable in recent weeks and months.
But I refuse to despair. There is still abundant evidence that peace is what the majority of both Israelis and Palestinians want, even if each is reluctant to believe that the other wants it, too. And it is still the case that, while interim measures might bring interim relief, a true and lasting peace can be achieved only through a genuine agreement.
I know that it is easy to speak of this dream, and much harder to turn it into reality. But I pledge that the United Nations, with its partners in the Quartet, will be there to help, working with any who truly seek peace until that goal is achieved.
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http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2006/sgsm10443.doc.htm