UN chief slams `sad and tragic` results of \"Israeli\" wall yes shuns elected Palestinian PM

Source: the Scotsman, 25-3-2007
\r\nAIDA REFUGEE CAMP - BAN Ki-Moon, the secretary-general of the United Nations yesterday toured a Palestinian refugee camp and spoke of the "very sad and tragic" results of the controversial security wall erected by "Israel".
\r\nHe also praised the "resilience" of the Palestinian people and the "unwavering commitment" to independence of the president, Mahmoud Abbas.
\r\nIn his first trip to the Palestinian territories, Mr Ban visited the Aida refugee camp on the outskirts of the biblical town of Bethlehem in the West Bank, just south of the "Israeli" wall.
\r\nHe went on to the roof of a UN-run girls` school in the camp to take a look at the barrier, which in some sections, including the one near Aida, is made up of towering cement blocks. "No wall will stop us," read a piece of graffiti in English.
\r\nMr. Ban said: "I have deep admiration for these people, for the resilience of Palestinian people, to make their lives better.
\r\n"This has strengthened my resolve and commitment to work for peace in the Middle East."
\r\nSenior UN officials and Salah Tameri, the Palestinian governor of Bethlehem, explained to Mr Ban the difficulties caused by "Israeli" travel restrictions and the barrier.
\r\nMr. Ban said it was "a very sad and tragic thing to see many suffering from the construction of this wall, depriving opportunities for basic living".
\r\nHe was heavily guarded during the brief visit to the camp and constantly surrounded by bodyguards.
\r\nPeople living near the girls` school unfurled banners from their balconies, to remind him of the plight of the Palestinian refugees. "UN bodies and agencies should enable Palestinian refugees to exercise their right of return," read one sign in English, referring to people`s demands to return to homes in what is now "Israel".
\r\nLater Mr Ban showered praise on Mr Abbas, saying they shared a vision of a comprehensive peace deal with "Israel". At a joint news conference with the Palestinian leader, following a meeting at Mr Abbas` headquarters in the West Bank, Mr Ban said: "You have shown an unwavering commitment to reaching self-determination and an independent state for the Palestinian people."
\r\nSuch cordial remarks were not extended to the Prime Minister, Ismail Haniyeh, or to other Hamas party officials.
\r\nBan welcomed the new government, he said "the atmosphere is not ripe" for talks with Hamas.
\r\n"At this time, I do not have plans to meet with Prime Minister Haniyeh or other Hamas cabinet ministers," he said.\r\n