PRESS STATEMENT BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT ON TERRORIST ATTACK IN ISRAEL

PRESS STATEMENT BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT ON TERRORIST ATTACK IN ISRAEL

Following is today’s statement to the press by Security Council President Joel W. Adechi (Benin):

Members of the Security Council condemn in the strongest possible terms Friday’s terrorist attack in Tel Aviv by a suicide bomber, which killed or wounded dozens of innocent Israelis, and offer its deepest sympathy to the victims, their families, and the Israeli people.

The Security Council members also condemn such terrorist attacks because they undermine the hopes and aspirations of the Israeli and Palestinian people as they seek a just, durable, and peaceful solution.

Members of the Council note that the Palestinian leadership has condemned the attack as an act of sabotage against peace, and welcome their commitment to pursue and punish those responsible.  Council members urge that the Palestinian leadership take immediate, credible steps to find those responsible for this terrorist attack and bring them to justice and encourage further and sustained action to prevent other acts of terrorism.

Council members call for international support for the Palestinian Authority in its efforts to continue with the reform and strengthening of its institutions, including its security apparatus.

Members of the Security Council again underline the understandings of the Sharm el Sheikh summit and reaffirm its call for the full respect by the parties of their commitments for a full cessation of violence.

In light of the recent positive steps taken by both sides and on the eve of important meetings in London, Council members call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to continue on the path of direct dialogue and negotiation in order to implement the Road Map and to realize the vision of two States living side by side in peace and security.

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