Israel's Foreign Minister pledges support for UN humanitarian activities in Middle East

The Foreign Minister of Israel has pledged his country’s support for United Nations humanitarian activities in the Middle East – a move welcomed by Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who stressed the need for progress on political matters as well.

During a 45-minute meeting on Thursday evening, the two also reviewed the region's political and security situation, according to a UN spokesman.

Foreign Minister Shimon Peres reiterated Israel's commitment to alleviate the humanitarian situation of the Palestinian people. "He told the Secretary-General that the Israeli Government would fully cooperate with UN agencies on the ground, including the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process," spokesman Fred Eckhard told reporters in New York.

"The Secretary-General said it was important to accompany positive developments on the humanitarian side with a movement on the political track as well," the spokesman noted.