SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS ISRAEL’S ASSASSINATION OF HAMAS LEADER

Secretary-general condemNs ISRAEL’s assassination of hamas leader

The following statement was issued by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Saturday, 17 April:

The Secretary-General condemns Israel’s assassination of Hamas leader Abdelaziz Rantissi.  He reiterates that extrajudicial killings are violations of international law and calls on the Government of Israel to immediately end this practice.  He is apprehensive that such an action would lead to further deterioration of an already distressing and fragile situation.

The only way to halt an escalation in the violence is for Israelis and Palestinians to work towards a viable negotiating process aimed at a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement, based on the Quartet’s Road Map.

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