Attacks in Israel – ILO Director-General letter to Israel

WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 1996

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ILO/96/6

ILO CONDEMNS ATTACKS IN ISRAEL

Mr. Michel Hansenne, Director-General of the International Labour Office, addressed the following letter, dated 5 March 1996, to His Excellency Shimon Peres, Prime Minister of Israel.

"Dear Mr. Prime Minister,

Allow me to express, on behalf of the ILO as well as on my own personal behalf, our shock and sorrow at the recent wave of terrorist attacks that have cost so many lives in your country.  My thoughts are with the victims and their families and with the Israeli people generally.

Like all people of good will, I condemn these outrages which are clearly designed to undermine the peace process.

I had the pleasure of visiting Israel for the first time in December, at the invitation of the Minister of Labour.  I was deeply impressed by the commitment of those I met both in Israel and among the officers of the Palestinian Authority to consolidating and building upon the peace process.

I pledge the support of the ILO to that process and I now reiterate that pledge.  Our Organization will do everything within its competence and capacity to contribute towards the improvement of economic and social conditions, and especially employment opportunities, as an essential component of building peace.

Again, Mr. Prime Minister, please accept my condolences on the loss of life resulting from these terrible acts.

Yours sincerely,

Michel Hansenne

For use of information media.  Not an official record.