Middle East: Reacting to Jerusalem attack, UN envoy repeats condemnation of terrorism

Reacting to the latest suicide bombing in Jerusalem, the senior United Nations envoy to the region reiterated the world body's longstanding condemnation of terrorism.

In a statement released in Gaza, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Terje Roed-Larsen, stressed that both he and Secretary-General Kofi Annan have "clearly and repeatedly labelled such attacks against civilians as morally repugnant and in violation of international law."

Such attacks, Mr. Roed-Larsen said, "cannot be endured, and must stop."

Prior to today's bombing, the envoy, in a meeting with Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat and other members of the Palestinian leadership, stressed that all terrorist attacks must end.

Mr. Roed-Larsen, “reiterated the UN’s position against all forms of terrorism and violence” during his talks with Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat, as well as other members of the Palestinian leadership,” a UN spokesman told reporters in New York.

“They also discussed the political situation and the prospects for renewed dialogue,” spokesman Fred Eckhard, said.

Asked if the Secretary-General had any reaction to talk of establishing a provisional Palestinian State, Mr. Eckhard said he did not. "He is staying very close to that process," the spokesman added. "I think he's made his view known to the various members of the Quartet [the UN, European Union, Russian Federation and United States], but until there is an announcement made by the United States of their proposal, he won't have anything to say."