SECRETARY-GENERAL ‘STRONGLY DEPLORES’ RECENT VIOLENCE, HEAVY LOSS OF LIFE IN MIDDLE EAST

SECRETARY-GENERAL ‘STRONGLY DEPLORES’ RECENT VIOLENCE,

HEAVY LOSS OF LIFE IN MIDDLE EAST

‘Urges All Sides to Exercise Maximum Restraint’

Following is the text of a statement issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is deeply disturbed that, despite the recent ceasefire agreement, there has been yet another round of violence and retaliation in the Middle East in which over 20 Palestinians and two Israelis have been killed.  He strongly deplores this, and the heavy loss of life.  He urges all sides to exercise maximum restraint and to make every effort to observe the ceasefire and implement the agreement reached by Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and President Yasser Arafat on 26 September.  The casualties on both sides underline the urgent need to return to the negotiating table, so as to address the basic political issues.    

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