Military

DATE=12/1/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-N/PALESTINIANS (L-O)

NUMBER=2-310408

BYLINE=PETER HEINLEIN

DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-N Secretary General Kofi Annan has applauded independent peace-making efforts in the Middle East, while condemning both Israeli and Palestinian violence. From U-N headquarters, Peter Heinlein reports, Mr. Annan's comments came during an annual U-N event to mobilize international support for the Palestinians in their conflict with Israel.

TEXT: In a speech to the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, Mr. Annan strove to be even-handed in his criticism.

He complained that Israeli actions - such as extra-judicial killings, expansion of settlements and the security barrier that cuts into Palestinian territory - have enhanced misery and feelings of helplessness among Palestinians.

/// ANNAN ACT ///

They have undermined efforts to curb violence and fueled hatred and anger towards Israel.

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The secretary-general was equally critical of Palestinian suicide bombers, saying their terrorist acts are harming their cause.

/// 2ND ANNAN ACT ///

These heinous acts can have no justification, and must be consistently and unreservedly condemned.

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Mr. Annan urged both sides to live up to previous commitments and to work to implement the road map to peace, which is co-sponsored by the United Nations. He also praised two independent peace initiatives, which he says have infused new hope for a political settlement of the conflict.

/// 3RD ANNAN ACT ///

I refer, in particular, to the Geneva initiative, in which Palestinians and Israelis negotiated and agreed to a detailed plan to comprehensively resolve the conflict, and to the Ayalon-Nusseibeh statement of principles. These efforts show the capacity of Palestinians and Israelis to act with reason and restraint, and to agree on terms to live side-by-side in peace.

///END ACT///

Mr. Annan's comments were part of a day of activities marking the U-N's annual International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The day's schedule also included a General Assembly session devoted mainly to criticism of Israel. (SIGNED)

NEB/NYC/PFH/TW/FC