OIC Press Release

Secretary General of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Dr. Abdelouahed BELKEZIZ has received a message from the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in reply to the OIC Secretary General's message on the developments taking place in the occupied Palestinian territories and the crimes committed by the Israeli forces of occupation against the Palestinian people and the destruction of Palestinian lands and properties.

Following is the text of the message received by Dr. Abdelouahed BELKEZIZ from the UN Secretary General:

Excellency,

Thank you for your letter of 15 April 2002. I share your profound concern at the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and appreciate your strong support for the concept of a multinational force. I have held discussions with members of the Security Council on the possible deployment of such a force and remain convinced that it is the way forward. Given the complete lack of trust between the parties, the international community cannot afford to wait until they take the necessary steps toward a return to the negotiating table. A credible and robust force could play a key role in ending the violence and create a secure and stable environment for the resumption of political negotiations.

You raise another important matter, namely the conduct of Israel in the Palestinian-controlled areas. I have repeatedly and consistently called on Israel to fulfill its obligation to respect the fundamental principles and rules of international humanitarian law. In this context, initial reports from my Special Coordinator, Mr. Terje Roed-Larsen, regarding the conditions in the Jenin refugee camp are deeply disturbing. It is for that reason that I proposed fielding a fact-finding Team to gather accurate informaton regarding the events in the Jenin refugee camp. Security Council resolution 1405 welcomed this initiative and the Team will be leaving shortly.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the sincere efforts of the Organization of the Islamic Conference in the search for a just and lasting solution to this tragic conflict.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Sd/-

Kofi Annan

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