Ban Ki-Moon calls for ceasefire

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-06-2009 14:59

UN Chief Ban Ki-Moon has called on Israel to end its "clearly excessive" military assault on Gaza.

Ban Ki-Moon says ongoing conflict will have serious implications for stability in the region.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (R) speaks before the start of a meeting at the United Nations on the situation in Gaza. (AFP/Timothy A. Clary)

Ban Ki-Moon, UN Secretary General, said, "We must insist that Israel end this military assault which is clearly excessive. We must insist that Hamas end immediately its rocket attacks which are so terribly counter-productive in addition to being completely unacceptable. There must be an immediate ceasefire, durable and fully respected by all."

Meanwhile a number of Arab foreign ministers are gathering in New York to call for a permanent solution to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is also due to arrive on Tuesday.

He hopes the council will adopt a revamped Arab-backed resolution. Earlier this week, Palestinian authorities urged the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution for an immediate end to Israeli attacks and a permanent cease-fire.

But the United States is still sticking to its defense of Israel, saying the resolution does not call for an end to Hamas fighters sending rockets into Israeli towns.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei