U N Annan takes Israel to task over human rights violations

AP ^ | 4-10-2002 | Ciaran Giles AP

[buffyt]

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.

Annan Calls for End to Mideast Strife (AP)

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.

[buffyt]

Let Annan go face the suicide bombers himself and see how long he stands up and complains about human rights.

[dinok]

I'm sure he'll try to nagotiate with the bomber. Tell him how he is from the UN and there to "help."

[dennisw]

 

where is Koffee Anon now?"

 

 

http://focusonjerusalem.com/annan.jpg

 

 

[MarineDad]

And little Kofi wins the grand prize! An all-expense paid trip back to Ghana...forever. Come to think of it, we'd ALL be winners if that happened!

[Republican Wildcat]

Could someone please link to the article where Annan made similar comments in regard to the suicide bombings? I can't seem to locate it. Thanks in advance.

[ikanakattara]

Every time the UN touches anything, people DIE.

[buffyt]

EXCELLENT, I am from the UN and I am here to help!

After Annan says that, he will hear BAM! I hope he remembers to bend over, place his head firmly between his knees, and kiss is A*S goodbye!

O'Reilly is going to discuss this on his show next and Ron Paul will be on Hannity & Colmes tonight.

[isom35]

if and when china invades taiwan, you will not hear a peep from kofi.

[buffyt]

Searched all over, there were none, gee, what does THAT mean?????

[buffyt]

Annan bump

[The Great Satan]

Koffi's boys may not be around much longer.

[colorado tanker]

Thanks for the pix. Is it just me or do Kofi and Yasser seem unnaturally, well, close?

[dennisw]

It's not just you. It's 3rd world love fest!

[Howlin]

This insults my intelligence. And theirs, too. What is WRONG with that man?

[colorado tanker]

"Third world love fest!"

Reminds me of the joke about the two Third World leaders exchanging summits. They are dining at the palace of the first leader who points to a bridge and says proudly, "see that bridge, one million dollars, I got one million dollars out of the that project!" A few months later they meet in the second leader's country. He points out the window and says, "see that?" The first leader says "no, I don't see anything." Second leaders says, "that's right. I didn't build the bridge and kept all five million for myself!"

[Howlin]

Here's one you missed: never forget:

[dennisw]

With that remark you have been permanently banned from UN premises. The closest you will ever get will be Scores.