SG/SM/9306
                                                                                                                        PAL/1981
                                                                                                                        17 May 2004

UN Asks Israel for Evidence of Allegations Regarding Use of UNRWA Ambulances

NEW YORK, 14 May (UN Headquarters) -- Following is the text of a statement attributable to the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is aware of allegations made by Minister Mofaz through the media that UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) ambulances were involved in the transfer of body parts of Israeli soldiers. Both he and the Commissioner-General of UNRWA take such accusations very seriously. The UN has asked the Israeli authorities for evidence in support of these allegations.

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