Annan Condemns Suicide Attack in Tel Aviv

United Nations, Apr 18 (UNI) Secretary-General Kofi Annan has strongly condemned the latest suicide bombing in Tel Aviv and called on the Palestinian Authority to "take a clear public stand against such unjustifiable acts of terrorism." Annan's spokesman said in a formal statement, released yesterday, "The secretary-general is deeply concerned that civilians continue to be killed by violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory." The spokesman added, "He (the UN chief) 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." Annan noted that President Mahmoud Abbas has taken a clear stand against terrorism, and voiced regret that the new government has not.

Since the January elections and the subsequent installation of a new Hamas-led Palestinian government last month, the United Nations along with its partners in the West Asia Diplomatic Quartet - the United States, the European Union and Russia - has called for the new government to commit itself to non-violence and recognise Israel and previous agreements in West Asia.

UNI SHR GC1209