UN Chief Congratulates President Abbas on Reconciliation Agreement

Ramallah, MINA – United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres telephoned President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday to congratulate him on the signing of the reconciliation agreement between Fatah and Hamas.

“The Secretary-General congratulated the President on the intra-Palestinian agreement signed earlier today in Cairo,” WAFA reported, citing a statement issued by Guterres office.

“The Secretary-General was encouraged by the recent progress in allowing the Palestinian Government to take up its responsibilities in Gaza, and welcomed the efforts of Egypt to achieve this goal.

“He emphasized the continuing need to urgently address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, particularly with regard to the electricity crisis, and improved access to and from the territory,” it said.

Guterres reiterated to Abbas that “the United Nations stands ready to continue working with the Palestinian authorities and the region in support of the Government in assuming its responsibilities in Gaza.” (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)