Annan 'deeply disturbed' by Israeli raid in Gaza by Secretary-General Kofi Annan 11:48am 1st May, 2003   1 May – United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan voiced deep concern over Israel's military incursions today in Gaza, stressing that they violated international humanitarian law and contradicted the international community's latest efforts to solve the Middle East conflict.    "The Secretary-General is deeply disturbed by Israeli military incursions today in Gaza City and the Rafah refugee camp, in which at least eight Palestinians were killed and many others injured," a statement issued by a UN spokesman in New York said.    "He stresses that such actions, including the reported house demolitions, are contrary to international humanitarian law. He believes that they contradict the international community's efforts to restart the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, following yesterday's presentation of the Road Map to the parties."    The Road Map is a plan drawn up by the diplomatic Quartet - the UN, United States, Russian Federation and European Union - which aims at settling the conflict through parallel steps over three years by the Israelis and Palestinians, culminating with the establishment of two sovereign states, living side-by-side in peace and security.    "The Secretary-General remains convinced that there is no military solution to this conflict and calls on Israel to work with (new Palestinian) Prime Minister Abu Mazen to establish effective cooperation ensuring security for both Israelis and Palestinians," the statement added. "He again urges the parties to embrace the Road Map and to work for its early implementation."    30 April – 'UN Rights Commissioner condemns suicide attack in Tel Aviv, Calls for Middle East Peace'.    The top United Nations human rights official said today he was “appalled” by the suicide bombing in Tel Aviv early Wednesday morning, which resulted in three people being killed and some 50 wounded.    The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Sergio Vieira de Mello, has repeatedly condemned any act of violence that targets innocent civilians, a statement issued by his spokesman in Geneva said.    “Such crimes are an affront to the most basic of human rights. They are a direct assault on efforts currently underway to achieve a stable and safe future for Israelis and Palestinians alike; the enemies of peace must not be allowed to succeed,” the statement said.    “The High Commissioner reiterates his call on all parties to do their utmost to break the cycle of violence and ensure that peace, built on a solid foundation of full respect for human rights, is realized as soon as possible,” it added. Visit the related web page
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