U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan says he sees no reason for further delay in sending his fact-finding team to the Jenin refugee camp -- this, after Israel asked for a delay.
 
 

Jenin refugee camp VOA photo - Xiaowen

 Earlier Friday, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon sought a delay, saying Israel wants clarification of what it calls some problematic points. An Israeli delegation has been discussing Israel's objections with officials at U.N. headquarters in New York. Israel initially gave a green light to the U.N. mission, but then balked over concern the panel would focus on the destruction at Jenin and ignore Israel's contention the camp had been a haven for terrorists.
 
 

Israel wants the team to be a fact-finding mission and not one that reaches conclusions. Israel also wants immunity from prosecution for any Israeli who testifies to the commission. The world body added two more military experts to the team Thursday in response to Israel's request the panel include experts in counter-terrorism and urban warfare.

 The fact-finding mission is headed by former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari. It includes the former president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Cornelio Sommaruga, and the former U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, Sadako Ogata. Retired U.S. Major General William Nash is the team's top military advisor.
 
 

Some information for this report provided by AFP and Reuters. 

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