SECRETARY-GENERAL SALUTES GROUP'S DECISION TO ADMIT ISRAEL

AS TEMPORARY MEMBER

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

I was pleased to learn of the decision of the Western European and Others Group to admit Israel as a temporary member.  This step rectifies a long-standing anomaly.  It should pave the way for Israel to participate on an equal footing with other nations in the main organs of the Âé¶¹APP, and it upholds the principle, enshrined in the Charter, of equality among all Member States.  This decision is particularly welcome at a time when all people of goodwill are hoping for early and decisive progress in the Middle East peace process.

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Document symbol:
Document Type: Press Release, Secretary-General press release, Statement
Document Sources: Secretary-General, Âé¶¹APP Department of Public Information (DPI)
Country: Israel
Subject: Credentials, Legal issues
Publication Date: 31/05/2000