SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS YESTERDAY’S MIDEAST BOMBING
‘GREATLY DAMAGES PALESTINIAN CAUSE’
BEIRUT, 28 March (UN Information Centre) -– The following statement was issued today by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan:
At the Arab League Summit yesterday, I condemned suicide bombings against Israeli civilians as morally repugnant.� Last night’s heartless and indiscriminate attack in Netanya was an especially appalling example of this phenomenon.� This is terrorism, and it greatly damages the Palestinian cause.
As I said yesterday, I believe profoundly in the right of both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security.� I have just spoken to both Prime Minister Sharon and Chairman Arafat.� I urge the leadership of both peoples to stay the course and continue the quest for peace.� The essential first step is an immediate ceasefire.
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