Attack in Jerusalem – EU presidency declaration – Letter from Italy

LETTER DATED 4 MARCH 1996 FROM THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF

ITALY TO THE UNITED NATIONS ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

On behalf of the European Union I have the honour to transmit to you herewith a declaration of the Presidency of the European Union on the terrorist attack in Jerusalem of 3 March 1996, issued on the same day.

I would be grateful if you could have the text of the present letter and its annex circulated as a document of the Security Council.

(Signed)  F. Paolo FULCI

Ambassador

Annex

[Original:  English and French]

Declaration of the Presidency on behalf of the European Union

on the terrorist attack in Jerusalem

Roma, 3 March 1996.  The European Union has learned with shock, consternation and profound dismay the news of the new terrorist attack perpetrated this morning in Jerusalem.

Once more, innocent people have been mowed down by the blind and criminal violence of a cowardly attack, which the European Union condemns in the strongest terms.

While sending its most heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Israel, the European Union appeals to everybody to give no quarter to the criminal network of those terrorist groups that are trying to hinder the peace process by bloody acts that offend the conscience of mankind.

In this regard, the European Union, while acknowledging the efforts made by the Palestinian Authority and President Arafat to combat terrorism, feels compelled once more to urge them to step up their actions, and to adopt more effective measures to put an end to these unacceptable terrorist attacks.

At this tragic and very sad moment, the European Union wants to express its most resolute and unconditional support to the peace process and to those who are bravely working at it.

Now, more than ever, the European Union believes that there can be no alternatives to peace and dialogue and reaffirms its full support for them.

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