Annan says Israeli re-occupation of Palestinian-controlled lands raises tension

The United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, today voiced concern about the Israeli re-occupation of six Palestinian-controlled towns in the West Bank.

"Such actions are in contravention of agreements signed during the Oslo peace process, and significantly increase tensions in a volatile situation," a spokesman for Mr. Annan said in a statement released in New York.

The Secretary-General strongly deplored the killing of four Palestinian civilians, including three children, in Jenin on 21 June, as well as the apparent extra-judicial killing of six Palestinians in Gaza earlier today. "He reiterates his call on both sides to comply fully with the obligations under international humanitarian law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention," the statement said.

Mr. Annan also emphasized the urgent need for the international community to press the parties to end the violence and to return to the path of political negotiations. “There remains no alternative to the resumption of a viable political process between Israelis and Palestinians,” the statement said.