Annan condemns 'despicable' suicide attack in Israeli town of Rishon Letzion

"Appalled" by the deadly suicide bomb attack in the town of Rishon Letzion in Israel, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today reiterated in the strongest possible terms his utter condemnation of all indiscriminate terrorist attacks against civilians.

"Such attacks are morally repugnant and only set back the prospects for a peaceful settlement" in the Middle East, a spokesman for Mr. Annan said in a statement released this evening in reaction to the attack in which at least 15 people were killed and many others wounded.

Calling the bombing a "despicable act," the Secretary-General extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of Israel.