Gravely concerned at Middle East violence, Annan urges restraint and dialogue

Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Friday expressed grave concern at the rising level of violence in the Middle East and appealed to the parties to prevent a further escalation and resume their dialogue.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Annan expressed "grave concern at the growing cycle of violence and counter-violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories."

He strongly appealed to all concerned to prevent an escalation, which he warned could spell "very serious consequences for the entire region."

The Secretary-General also reiterated his call to the parties to exercise maximum restraint and caution, and to resume their dialogue in order to achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.

The statement was issued after Annan was briefed by the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Terje Roed-Larsen, who reviewed the impact of the conflict, border closures and other restrictions on the Palestinian economy and society.

Noting that these restrictive measures "deprive the Palestinian Authority of necessary financial resources and aggravate the serious economic and social crisis in the occupied territories," the spokesman said Mr. Annan was "very concerned" about the capacity of the Palestinian Authority to continue to function.