Secretary-General expresses deep concern at violence in west bank, gaza;

calls for immediate release of those kidnapped

 

The following statement was issued today simultaneously in Cape Town and New York by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned at today’s violence in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, in which several people, including Palestinian police officers, have been killed, and a number of international personnel have been kidnapped.  He calls for an immediate end to the violence, respect for civilian lives, and urgent steps to restore calm.  The Secretary-General also calls for the immediate release of those who have been kidnapped and full respect of the safety of international personnel on the ground.

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For information media • not an official record