UN chief reissues plea for immediate Gaza ceasefire

The UN Secretary General has renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza.

Following talks with the Egyptian President, Hosni Mubarak, Ban Ki-moon also spoke of his optimism that the Franco-Egyptian peace plan will produce results as soon as possible.

“I’m encouraged that discussions will continue and I sincerely hope that this ceasefire will be obtained as soon as possible. First and foremost a ceasefire, then we can discuss humanitarian assistance and reconstruction and we can also discuss how to protect the population.”

Spain’s Foreign Secretary, Miguel Angel Moratinos, who is also in Cairo, said he too was hopeful that a ceasefire would soon be agreed.

It is believed an agreement is stalled over the length of a temporary truce and Hamas’ refusal to accept a multinational force in Gaza.

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tags: Ban Ki-Moon, Diplomacy, Mideast