SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS TERROR ATTACKS IN ISRAEL

SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS TERROR ATTACKS IN ISRAEL

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

The Secretary-General condemns today’s two terror attacks by suicide bombers near Tel Aviv and in Jerusalem, in which at least 12 people were killed and many others injured.  He conveys his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of Israel.

The Secretary-General calls on Palestinian militant groups to halt these despicable and indiscriminate actions, which not only spread death and misery but harm the legitimate national aspirations of the Palestinian people.  He reiterates his insistence that both sides should fulfil their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians.

The Secretary-General takes this opportunity to reiterate his passionate conviction that peace and security in the region can only be achieved through political dialogue.  This will require statesmanship as well as maximum restraint on all sides.

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