UN rights chief to visit Israel, Palestinian areas

GENEVA — UN human rights chief Navi Pillay will visit Israel and the Palestinian territories, including Gaza, starting on Sunday where she will meet leaders from both sides, her office announced."The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, will visit Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory from 6 to 11 February 2011," her office said in a statement."During her visit, Ms. Pillay will meet officials at the highest level, including Israeli President Shimon Peres, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad," it added.Her office told AFP that the visit was requested by both governments.Israel has traditionally been sharply critical of UN human rights bodies and their criticism of violations in the Palestinian territories, and has refused to cooperate with some of the world body's rights experts."The high commissioner's plans include, among others, tours to parts of the West Bank, as well as Gaza, including Beit Hanoun, to speak to affected groups and get a first-hand view of the situation on the ground," the statement said.In Israel, Pillay will pay her respects at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial and visit schools.Pillay is also scheduled to meet ministers on both sides, members of the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, and the president of the Supreme Court of Israel.She will also meet Israeli and Palestinian human rights activists, the Palestinian Independent Commission on Human Rights, and UN agencies in the area. Copyright © 2011 AFP. All rights reserved. More »

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