U.N. rights boss Arbour to go to Israel, territories

[Englander]

Reuters
Thursday, September 28, 2006; 5:52 AM

GENEVA (Reuters) - U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour announced on Thursday she would soon visit Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories to study the "deteriorating situation."

In a speech to the United Nations Human Rights Council, she also reminded both sides of their responsibility to uphold international humanitarian and human rights law, but declared that only a political solution could end the suffering.

"Soon, I will have an opportunity to conduct a first-hand assessment of the situation by visiting Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories," Arbour told the 47-member state forum, which is holding a three-week session.

President Mahmoud Abbas is struggling to form a Palestinian unity coalition amid worsening poverty and lawlessness. The West cut off aid and contact with the Hamas-led government formed in March after it refused to recognize Israel, renounce violence and accept past peace agreements.

Arbour, a former U.N. war crimes prosecutor, has received permission from Israel to visit, but the date is not yet being announced, her spokesman said.

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[Violet_Crumble]

1. I think that's something that gets forgotten real easily...

In a speech to the United Nations Human Rights Council, she also reminded both sides of their responsibility to uphold international humanitarian and human rights law..

While both sides have a responsibility to do that, both sides seem to think that only applies to the other side and not to them...