Annan takes Israel to task over human rights violations
Wed Apr 10, 9:07 AM ET
By CIARAN GILES, Associated Press Writer
MADRID, Spain - United Nations (news - web sites) Secretary-General Kofi Annan (news - web sites), in his harshest condemnation of Israel to date, said Wednesday he was "appalled" by the dire humanitarian situation caused by the Israeli offensive against Palestinians.
He said Israel's hard-hunted crackdown was causing a "mounting humanitarian and human rights crisis" in Palestinian areas.
Annan said this that was unacceptable from a country "that lays claim to democracy."
"I am, frankly, appalled by humanitarian situation, "Annan said after discussing the violence in the Middle East with U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell (news - web sites), Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov, EU foreign and security chief Javier Solana and Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Pique.
He said Israel's assault was causing "enormous suffering for the innocent civilian population caught up in the hostilities" in the West Bank and Gaza strip (news - web sites).
Annan said the international community demand Israel to "honor its obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians" and for its troops to stop damaging and destroying personal property.
Annan made the comments on a personal level after a meeting at which the European Union (news - web sites), Russia, the United States and the United Nations jointly urged Israel and the Palestinians to halt their "senseless confrontation" saying it caused a humanitarian crisis and heightening regional tensions in the Middle East.
In a joint statement, they urged Israel to immediately withdraw its forces and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat (news - web sites) to denounce and dismantle terrorism networks in the Palestinian camp.
Both sides were urged to work toward a negotiated solution to the conflict.
The joint communique was far more balanced than Annan was in his personal remarks in which he clearly blamed Israel for human rights violations.
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