Secretary General Kofi Annan appealed to the UN General Assembly on Friday to send a conciliatory message when it meets later in the day to debate the crisis in the Middle East.
Annan was expected to brief the Assembly when it resumes at 3:00 p.m. (1900 GMT) to consider a draft resolution condemning Israel's excessive use of force against Palestinians in Jerusalem and the West Bank.
Annan declined to comment on the draft resolution, pointing out that diplomats were busy proposing "many amendments" on Friday morning.
But, he told reporters; he hoped the Assembly would send "a message that will be conciliatory."
Such a message, he said, would support the truce agreement struck at Sharm el-Sheikh on Tuesday, encourage the parties to implement the agreement, and urge the international community to help find a final, comprehensive and just peace.
"If it is that kind of message, I think it will be helpful," Annan said -- UNITED NATIONS (AFP)
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