Annan hopes to restart peace talks on Mideast trip

Annan said he hopes the cease-fire "will continue to hold" for his trip next week

UNITED NATIONS (CNN) -- Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Friday he will travel to the Middle East next week to push for a resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

Beginning Tuesday, Annan will meet with regional leaders " to explore with them how collectively we can work together to end the tragedy, the violence, and move the parties back to the table."

Annan's itinerary includes stops in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Israel and Palestinian-run Gaza. Annan noted that an Israeli-Palestinian cease-fire has been holding since last week, and that intermediaries such as CIA Director George Tenet have been working to shore up that cease-fire.

"I would hope this progress would be sustained, and if it does, I trust that it would provide an opportunity to give the international community a chance to make a collective effort to push them forward," he said.

VIDEO CNN's Ben Wedeman reports on efforts to keep the cease-fire on Gaza borders (June 9) Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media) CNN's Jerrold Kessel reports on the politics that threaten the delicate cease-fire in the Middle East (June 6) Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

Annan said he wants both sides to continue progress toward implementing the recommendations of the Mitchell Committee, an international panel that has outlined a path toward resumed peace talks.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon declared a unilateral cease-fire on May 22. Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat said June 2 that he would suspend hostilities against targets in Israel after a suicide bomber killed 20 Israelis at a Tel Aviv nightclub.

U.N. leader urges continued cease-fire

Sporadic shooting incidents have punctuated the week, including the shooting of an Israeli motorist Friday near Ramallah on the West Bank. The driver was severely wounded by Palestinian gunmen, an Israeli army spokesman told CNN.

There was no immediate response from the Palestinians, and Annan urged both sides to continue the cease-fire.

"Once they have made the strategic choice for peace, they should stay the course and deal with the terrorists when they strike -- but not allow terrorists to lead the game," Annan said.

Tenet met with Arafat on Friday in Ramallah, a day after his talks with Sharon. Later Friday, he was to convene a meeting of top Israeli and Palestinian security officials.

Annan said his trip would take place, even if the cease-fire broke down over the weekend.

"Peace-making is a risky affair," he said. "It's a risky affair for the peacemakers and it's a risky affair for the protagonists."