SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS SUICIDE ATTACKS AGAINST ISRAELIS, URGES PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS

SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS SUICIDE ATTACKS AGAINST ISRAELIS,

URGES PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS

The following statement was issued by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan on 18 May:

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the suicide bombings and attacks against Israelis that have occurred in the past 24 hours.  These murderous attacks fuel the cycle of violence, revenge, fear and distrust and are the greatest impediment to peace.  The Secretary-General passes on his condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones in these attacks.

The Secretary-General urges the Palestinian leadership to do everything in its power to de-legitimize and stop terrorism.  He calls on the Government of Israel to show restraint, to act in conformity with its obligations under international humanitarian law and to ensure that its security forces take measures to protect the safety of civilians in the occupied Palestinian territories.  The Secretary-General calls on both sides not to allow those who carry out such repugnant attacks to hijack the peace process and set the agenda.  The Secretary-General believes that the safety and security of the people of the Middle East is best insured by fully implementing the Quartet's Road Map.

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