UN, U.S., Russia and EU issue joint call for Israeli pullout

Wednesday, April 10, 2002 Nisan 28, 5762 Israel Time: 15:22 (GMT+3)




Last update - 13:08 10/04/2002


UN, U.S., Russia and EU issue joint call for Israeli pullout

By News Agencies




MADRID - The United Nations, the United States, the European Union and Russia issued a joint statement Wednesday urging Israel to immediately withdraw from Palestinian areas it has invaded, and for both sides to call an immediate cease-fire and prevent the conflict from spreading.

They also urged Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to do everything possible to halt attacks against Israeli civilians.

"We call for an immediate, meaningful cease-fire and an immediate Israeli withdrawal from Palestinian cities, including Ramalllah, specifically including Chairman Arafat's headquarters," UN Secretary General Kofi Annan told a news conference.

"We call on Israel to fully comply with international humanitarian principles and to allow full and unimpeded access to humanitarian organziations and services."