United Nations

NEW YORK, 19 December (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is encouraged by the resumption of talks between Israeli and Palestinian representatives under United States auspices.

The Secretary-General believes that the parties must fully implement all the understandings reached at the Sharm el-Sheikh summit, most notably a cessation of violence and disengagement from points of friction.  This will give the negotiations the best chance of success.  He is concerned that, otherwise, it will become increasingly difficult to persuade embittered and disenchanted populations in the region of the benefits of peace.