Secretary-General 'Saddened' By Killing Of Two Teens Near Ramallah
Welcoming Israel's announcement of a full investigation into the killing yesterday of two teenage boys near Ramallah,
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has again emphasized that violence cannot provide a solution to the
conflict, and that peace can be achieved only through negotiations.
A statement issued in New York said that the Secretary-General was saddened to learn of the killing of the two teenagers
yesterday in the West Bank village of Beit Lakiya, and that he had taken note of Israel's suspension of the senior
Israeli Defence Force (IDF) officer involved.
"The Secretary-General is concerned about the increase in violence witnessed in recent days. He hopes such incidents
will not be allowed to undermine the positive developments of the past months," the statement said, adding that Mr.
Annan sends his condolences to the families of the victims.