December 3, 2003	Wednesday	Shawwal 8, 1424

UNITED NATIONS, Dec 2: UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on Monday delivered a message of support to the Palestinians, saying he felt the “deepest solidarity” with their “continued suffering”.

Just days after issuing a report denouncing the controversial security barrier Israel is building that cuts into the West Bank, Mr Annan said Israeli actions have undercut hopes for peace in the Middle East.

“They have undermined efforts to curb violence and fuelled hatred and anger towards Israel. They have pushed back the day when Israel will live without fear within secure and recognized borders,” he said in a statement.

“I wish to join with those from around the world who today express the deepest solidarity with the Palestinian people in their continued suffering. They remain stateless and oppressed.”

Mr Annan took pains to say that his remarks did not mean to “ignore the suffering of the people of Israel” and said there was “no justification” for Palestinian attacks on Israelis.

“The terrible events of the past three years, and the dire situation on the ground today, should be proof to all that the more each side harms the other, the more it wounds itself,” he said.

In a report to the UN General Assembly on Friday, Mr Annan acknowledged Israel’s “right and duty” to protect its citizens but added: “That duty should not be carried out in a way that is in contradiction to international law.”—AFP