Annan congratulates Israel’s Acting Prime Minister on election win
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today congratulated Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert of Israel and his
Kadima Party on winning the highest number of seats in yesterday’s general election, encouraging him to actively pursue
Middle East peace.
Through a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Annan encouraged him, “as soon as the Government is formed, to
pursue actively the peace process and work for the establishment of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by
side in peace and security.”
Mr. Annan and his envoys to the Middle East have pointed to the Israeli elections as one of many events that make this
period a crucial one for the future of the region.
“Decisions made now will determine the course of events in the Middle East for a prolonged period of time and will form
the basis for either continued deterioration or stabilization,” said Special Envoy Terje Roed-Larsen.