SG/SM/8260
 6 June 2002

RESPONDING TO ISRAEL BOMB ATTACK, SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS PEACE PROCESS MUST NOT BE DERAILED

NEW YORK, 5 June (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today in Moscow by the Office of the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General was appalled by this morning’s bomb attack in northern Israel.

It comes at a time when there is a concerted international effort to convene a peace conference on the Middle East.

Brutal and wilful killing of innocent civilians can never be justified, no matter what the political objective. Every effort must be made to bring to justice those responsible for this cruel act.

The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of Israel.

He urges those committed to finding a political solution in the Middle East to stay the course. The enemies of peace should not be allowed to derail this process.

 

* *** *