Shocked by attack on Egyptian official, Annan urges dialogue over violence

Reacting to today's attack in Jerusalem on Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Maher, a United Nations spokesman said Secretary-General Kofi Annan was "shocked" by the incident.

"This kind of irrational violence is never an acceptable alternative to dialogue," Fred Eckhard said in response to a question at a press briefing in New York.

Mr. Annan wished the Foreign Minister a speedy recovery from whatever injuries he might have sustained, the spokesman added.