SG/SM/10422
18 April 2006

Secretary-General Strongly Condemns Tel Aviv Suicide Bombing

NEW YORK, 17 April (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General strongly condemns today's suicide bombing in Tel Aviv.  He calls on the Palestinian Authority to take a clear public stand against such unjustifiable acts of terrorism, noting that President Abbas has done so and regretting that the new Government has not.

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned that civilians continue to be killed by violence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  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.

* *** *