SECRETARY-GENERAL, DISTURBED BY UPSURGE OF VIOLENCE IN MIDDLE EAST, URGES PARTIES BACK TO NEGOTIATING TABLE

SECRETARY-GENERAL, DISTURBED BY UPSURGE OF VIOLENCE IN MIDDLE EAST,

URGES PARTIES BACK TO NEGOTIATING TABLE

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

The Secretary-General is deeply disturbed by the recent upsurge of violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.

He sends his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and reiterates that the targeting of civilians is unacceptable.

The Secretary-General again calls on Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat to take decisive action against those responsible for such terrible acts.

Recent events have caused further serious damage to mutual confidence, and have deepened bitterness and despair.  Yet, even at this most difficult of times, the Secretary-General would wish to remind Israelis and Palestinians that lasting peace and security for both can be achieved only through a negotiated settlement of their differences.  The Secretary-General urges both parties to take the steps necessary to move away from violent confrontation and back to the negotiating table.

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