Annan Calls on Palestine Govt to Reject Terrorism

Condemning Attack, Annan Calls on Palestinian Government to Reject Terrorism

New York, Apr 17 2006 2:00PM

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan strongly condemned today's suicide bombing in Tel Aviv and called on the Palestinian Authority to “take a clear public stand against such unjustifiable acts of terrorism.”

“The Secretary-General is deeply concerned that civilians continue to be killed by violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory,” Mr. Annan’s spokesman said in a formal statement.

“He calls on all parties to abide by their obligations under international law, and to refrain from actions that further escalate the situation and put civilians at grave risk,” the spokesman added.

Mr. Annan noted that President Mahmoud Abbas has taken a clear stand against terrorism voiced regret that the new Government has not, the spokesman said.

Since the January elections and the installation of a new Hamas-led Palestinian Government in March, the UN, along with its partners in the Middle East diplomatic Quartet – the United States, European Union and Russia – has called for the new Government commit itself to non-violence, recognition of Israel and previous Middle East agreements.

ENDS

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