SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS ASSASSINATION OF ISRAELI CABINET MEMBER

SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS ASSASSINATION OF ISRAELI CABINET MEMBER

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

The Secretary-General was appalled to learn this morning of the assassination of Israeli cabinet minister Rehavam Zeevi.  He utterly condemns this terrorist act and conveys his heartfelt condolences to Mr. Zeevi's family and to the Government of Israel.

The Secretary-General has consistently condemned all acts of terrorism from whatever quarter.  He welcomes President Arafat's condemnation of this despicable act and his promise to bring to justice those responsible.  The Secretary-General appeals to all parties to exercise maximum restraint and urges them to resume a sustained dialogue.  He continues to believe that peace and security can be achieved only through political negotiations, and that the parties should not be deflected from this path by terrorist acts.

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