SG/SM/8819
13 August 2003

 

SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS SUICIDE BOMBINGS IN ISRAEL; URGES RESTRAINT IN FACE OF PROVOCATION

NEW YORK, 12 August (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General condemns the two suicide bombings in the Israeli town of Rosh Ha’ayin and outside the settlement of Ariel today that killed two Israelis and wounded some dozen others.  He extends his sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims of these terrorist attacks.

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the current escalation in the violence, including the recent incursion into Askar refugee camp near Nablus and last night’s shooting incidents in the Gaza Strip.  He urges both parties to adhere to their Road Map obligations and to exercise restraint in the face of provocation.

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