"Although the incident is under investigation, it appears that the killer was lynched by the surrounding people," Mr. Annan said in a statement issued by his spokesman.

"The incident is thus not only a painful tragedy but also a cautionary tale, vividly illustrating the dangers of fanaticism run amok in an atmosphere of tension at a crucial time," he added.

In other Middle East news, the Personal Representative of the Secretary-General for Southern Lebanon, Geir Pedersen, reiterated the UN's call for an end to Israeli air violations over the Blue Line into southern Lebanon, after five Israeli flights over the area were recorded.

Mr. Pedersen reminded all parties that one violation cannot justify another.