SG/SM/8498
18 November 2002

SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS
"DESPICABLE" HEBRON TERRORIST ATTACK


NEW YORK, 15 November (UN Headquarters) -- The following was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is horrified by the despicable terrorist attack in the West Bank town of Hebron that today killed 10 Jewish worshippers on their way to the Sabbath eve prayers and left many injured. He condemns this latest terrorist act against Israeli civilians in the strongest possible terms and conveys his heartfelt condolences to the families of victims and to the Government of Israel.

The Secretary-General reiterates his appeal to all Palestinian groups to stop all such acts of senseless violence, which are extremely harmful to the Palestinian cause.

The Secretary-General remains firmly convinced that there is no alternative to a political solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. To this end, the road map of the Quartet, to be completed in December, deserves the most serious consideration by both parties.

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