SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS TEL AVIV BOMBING

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the bombing in Tel Aviv today causing death  and injury to numerous civilians.  He expresses condolences to bereaved families and to the Government and people of Israel.

At the same time, the Secretary-General wishes to reiterate his appeal to the parties  not to allow odious acts of this nature to derail the peace process.  He sincerely hopes that both parties will intensify their efforts to overcome existing obstacles to a speedy return to the peace process.

* *** *