Annan condemns suicide attacks against Israelis, urges protection of civilians

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today strongly condemned the suicide bombings and attacks against Israelis that have occurred over the past 24 hours, calling on both sides not to allow such incidents to derail the peace process.

"These murderous attacks fuel the cycle of violence, revenge, fear and distrust and are the greatest impediment to peace," a spokesman for Mr. Annan said in a statement released in New York.

The Secretary-General urged the Palestinian leadership "to do everything in its power to de-legitimize and stop terrorism." He also called on the Israeli Government to show restraint, to act in conformity with its obligations under international humanitarian law and to ensure that its security forces take measures to protect the safety of civilians in the occupied Palestinian territories.

In addition, the statement called on both sides "not to allow those who carry out such repugnant attacks to hijack the peace process and set the agenda."

"The Secretary-General believes that the safety and security of the people of the Middle East is best insured by fully implementing the Quartet's road map," the spokesman said, referring to an outline for achieving a two-State solution put forward by the diplomatic grouping comprised of the UN, United States, Russian Federation and European Union.