UN special envoy condemns attack against Palestinian politician

UNITED NATIONS, Oct 26 (APP): Condemning Sunday’s attack in Ramallah
against a prominent Palestinian political figure, United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov has called for a thorough investigation into the incident and has reiterated the call by top United Nations officials to reduce tensions in the region and avoid actions that would spark further violence.
“I spoke to Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi, Palestinian Legislative Council
(PLC) member and Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Initiative party, and condemned the attack against him near his house in Ramallah,” Mladenov said in a statement issued by his Office, referring to the incident, which, according to media reports, was perpetrated by unknown assailants.
“Such attacks serve only those who are interested in harming the
Palestinian social and political fabric,” the statement said, adding
the Special Coordinator’s call on the Palestinian authorities “to
promptly investigate this act of terror and to bring the perpetrators
to justice.”
Mladenov recalled that Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has just
returned from the region, which has recently seen an uptick in violence since early September. A series of ever-more deadly clashes between Palestinians and Israelis, including Israeli security forces, has marked much of October, with incidents reported in more than 50
different locations, including in East Jerusalem, Ramallah, Hebron, Bethlehem, Jenin, Tulkarm and Nablus.
Returning to New York on Friday, Mr. Ban told reporters at UN
Headquarters that he had had “long and detailed” discussions with
Israeli, Palestinian and Jordanian leaders, and stressed that “there
is still time to step back from the brink,” despite anger and
polarization in the region. “All agreed on the urgent need to reduce tensions and avoid actions that would further fuel the violence,” the
UN chief said.
In his statement, Mladenov noted that the Secretary-General had
stressed the urgent need to reduce tensions and avoid actions and
statements that would further fuel violence.
“This is imperative in order to restore the hope of the Palestinian
people that an end of the occupation and a negotiated two-state solution
are possible,” the Special Coordinator added.