SG/SM/8311
18 July 2002

Secretary-General Condemns Tel Aviv Suicide Bombing

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

The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest possible terms the suicide bomb attack today in Tel Aviv, which comes on the heels of yesterday's terrorist attack near the settlement of Emanuel in the West Bank. The Secretary-General reiterates his utter denunciation of such heinous acts, which are harmful to the Palestinian cause and do not serve any acceptable purpose, political or otherwise.

The international community and the parties must remain steadfast in their determination not to allow the perpetrators of violent and senseless acts to derail efforts in the search for a just, comprehensive and lasting solution to the conflict.

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