Military

DATE=3/22/2004

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-N / MIDDLE EAST (L-O)

NUMBER=2-314377

BYLINE=PETER HEINLEIN

DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Palestinian and Arab representatives to the United Nations are asking the Security Council to condemn Israel's killing of Hamas leader Sheik Ahmed Yassin. From U-N headquarters, Peter Heinlein reports Secretary General Kofi Annan issued his own strong denunciation of the assassination.

TEXT: The Security Council met informally Monday to consider how to respond to the assassination of the Hamas leader. Palestinian representative Nasser al-Kidwa said Arab countries were pushing for a resolution condemning the Israeli action.

/// AL KIDWA ACT ///

We think the Security Council has to live up to its responsibilities, has to reflect this broad international condemnation, in a measure to be taken by the Council.

/// END ACT ///

Security Council ambassadors discussed the matter Monday, then turned it over to experts to see if agreement could be reached on a statement of condemnation.

The Palestinian representative said if no statement is issued, Arab countries would demand an emergency Council session and a public debate on the matter.

Several diplomats from Security Council member states said a session could be held later this week.

Secretary General Kofi Annan, meanwhile, issued his own condemnation of the killing.

/// ANNAN ACT ///

I do condemn the targeted assassination of Sheik Yassin and the others who died with him. Such actions are not only contrary to international law, but they do not do anything to help the search for a peaceful solution.

/// END ACT ///

In a later, written statement, Mr. Annan expressed concern that the Israeli action would lead to further bloodshed and death, including acts of revenge and retaliation.

A representative of Israel's U-N Ambassador Dan Gillerman said the envoy

had no comment, either on the Secretary General's statement or on the

Security Council's deliberations. (SIGNED)

NEB/pfh/KL