SG/SM/5913

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY MUST UNITE AGAINST 'DESPICABLE ACTS OF VIOLENCE', SAYS SECRETARY-GENERAL

5 March 1996


Press Release
SG/SM/5913


INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY MUST UNITE AGAINST 'DESPICABLE ACTS OF VIOLENCE', SAYS SECRETARY-GENERAL

19960305 The following is the text of a statement issued today in Mexico City by Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali:

An upsurge of terrorism -- most recently yesterday's terrorist bomb explosion in Tel Aviv -- requires the international community to stand together, to speak out, and to unite in action against these despicable acts of violence.

Let us be clear about terrorism. Nothing can justify those who murder and maim innocent people. No grievance can excuse these cowardly attempts to spread fear and death among a civilian population.

Terrorists fear negotiations. They reject democratic processes. That is why they step up their attacks whenever progress is being made towards peace.

The international community must not let terrorism succeed. We must not give credence to their explanations. We must join together to prevent their contemptible acts. The United Nations must undertake a new initiative to deal with the multinational dimension of terrorism.

Above all, we must not let them achieve their objective. The Middle East peace process -- and progress towards peace and justice -- must be steadfast and must bravely go forward.

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For information media. Not an official record.