Israel’s Netanyahu and UN’s Ban discuss Mideast peace prospects and continuing Gaza closure
By APWednesday, July 7, 2010
Netanyahu and UN chief discuss Mideast peace
UNITED NATIONS — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon discussed efforts to promote Middle East peace and the continuing closure of Gaza during a meeting at U.N. headquarters.
U.N. officials said they met for nearly an hour Wednesday afternoon, including a one-on-one discussion.
Netanyahu did not speak to reporters, and U.N. associate spokesman Farhan Haq issued a very brief statement saying only that they discussed the Middle East peace process, Gaza closures and Lebanon “among other topics.”
Ban on Tuesday welcomed Israel’s decision to increase “the scope and quantity of materials” it would allow into Gaza, but reiterated his call for further steps and a significant shift in Israeli strategy to meet “the great needs of Gaza’s population,” Haq said.
