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.