Deploring Israeli air strike on Syrian territory, Annan warns that conflict could spread

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today strongly deplored the Israeli air strike on Syrian territory, warning that it could inflame violence in the troubled region.

A spokesman for Mr. Annan said the Secretary-General is “especially concerned that this further escalation of an already tense and difficult situation has the potential to broaden the scope of current conflicts in the Middle East, further threatening regional peace and security.”

The Secretary-General urged all concerned to respect the rules of international law and to exercise restraint, according to the spokesman.

Meanwhile, members of the Security Council decided to hold closed-door talks this afternoon in New York on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.