Annan strongly condemns today’s suicide bombing in Jerusalem

The United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, today condemned in the strongest possible terms the suicide bombing that took place this morning in Jerusalem, which killed at least 11 Israelis and injured dozens more, including many children.

"As he has made clear repeatedly, the Secretary-General believes that such attacks are utterly reprehensible and only serve to spur further hatred and mistrust," said a statement issued by a UN spokesman in New York. "Stressing again that the conflict can only be resolved through negotiations, he urges all sides to desist from all forms of violence - as demanded in Security Council resolution 1435."

The Secretary-General also appealed to all concerned not to allow the scourge of terrorism to blind them to the pressing need for an intensive effort to bring peace between Israelis and Palestinians, according to the statement.

"He continues to believe that the roadmap for achieving a two-state solution being developed by the Quartet can play a vital role in breaking the cycle of violence and promoting a peaceful settlement," the statement said, referring to the diplomatic group comprised of the UN, European Union, Russian Federation and United States.