HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS CONDEMNS BOMBING IN JERUSALEM

HR/01/70
9 August 2001


United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson strongly condemned today's bomb attack in Jerusalem, calling it a terrible reminder of the urgency of resolving the protracted conflict between two neighboring peoples.

Speaking as negotiations in Geneva on the World Conference against Racism focus on the search for compromise on the question of the Middle East, Mrs. Robinson said, "While we look for language that will address the claims and aspirations of these neighboring peoples, lives continue to be lost on both sides. The failure to resolve the ongoing confrontation and occupation; claims of inequality; violence, and terrorism have led to a deteriorating situation on the ground".

Mrs. Robinson said she was particularly worried that the attack would intensify the cycle of violence afflicting the region and called for restraint on all sides. "I hope that the sadly predictable pattern of attack and counterattack will be broken. It is of the utmost urgency that serious negotiations be pursued so as to bring the conflict to an end".