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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