SG/SM/8179
 2 April 2002

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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