Taoiseach condemns killing of Israel's Minister of Tourism.
The Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern T.D., sent a letter of condolence to Mr. Ariel Sharon, M.K., Prime Minister of Israel, conveying sympathy on the death of Mr. Rehavam Ze'evy, M.K., Minister of Tourism, who was assassinated in a Jerusalem hotel earlier today.
A radical Palestinian faction, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, has claimed responsibility for the murder.
The Government condemns this killing. It is the latest in a series of violent incidents which have claimed hundreds of lives. The cycle of attack and retaliation can serve only to obstruct the achievement of a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement which alone will allow Israelis and Palestinians to live together in peace and security. It is essential that all responsible parties continue their efforts to build peace, despite the provocations of extremists.
The assassination has also been condemned by President Arafat and the Palestinian Authority, who had already on 18 September issued orders to their forces to prevent all acts of violence.
17 October 2001