Annan voices full confidence in his Middle East envoy, Roed-Larsen

The United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, has expressed concern over the recent public criticism of his Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Terje Roed-Larsen, by representatives of the Government of Israel.

"Mr. Roed-Larsen, in his many years of working to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, has always conducted himself with objectivity, professionalism and compassion," Mr. Annan said in a statement released by his spokesman on Sunday. He added that in the course of his efforts, Mr. Roed-Larsen had developed "useful and constructive relations" with representatives of both parties.

"I applaud the work done by Mr. Roed-Larsen and all United Nations personnel in the region, particularly in the recent difficult weeks, and I wish to reiterate my full confidence in Mr. Roed-Larsen," the Secretary-General said.