ALARMED AT ESCALATING MID-EAST VIOLENCE, SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS ON ISRAELIS, PALESTINIANS TO EXERCISE RESTRAINT

ALARMED AT ESCALATING MID-EAST VIOLENCE, SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS

ON ISRAELIS, PALESTINIANS TO EXERCISE RESTRAINT

The following statement was issued today by the Office of the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General condemns today's terror attack by a suicide bomber in Jerusalem.  He deplores all acts of terror and is deeply disturbed by the terrible loss of life.  He emphasizes that attacks against civilians violate international and human rights law.

The Secretary-General is alarmed that escalating violence continues to spread death and misery among both Israelis and Palestinians.  He urges all concerned to exercise restraint.  The violence of the recent days demonstrates that there is no alternative to dialogue between the parties to bring an end to the violence and a return to the political process.

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