DATE=3/29/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT (L O)

TITLE=UN SECURITY COUNCIL-Middle east(L-only)

NUMBER=2-288147

BYLINE=JENNY BADNER

DATELINE=NEW YORK

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The U-N Security Council has convened an emergency (closed-door) meeting laet Friday to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian violence, which has escalated to a new level both on the West Bank and inside Israel. Jenny Badner in New York reports.

TEXT: The 15-Member Security Council called the emergency session at the request of Arab delegates.

Before the meeting, U-N Secretary General Kofi Annan released a statement saying he was "deeply alarmed by the rapidly escalating violence."

Mr. Annan condemned terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians. He also called on Israel to halt its operation on Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's West Bank compound.

Speaking to reporters, the Palestinian representative to the U-N Nasser al-Kidwa warned of dire consequences should Israel kill Mr. Arafat.

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We need people to live. We certainly need our leader live, our elected leader president to live. If nevertheless, the Israelis choose take the ultimate crazy step, I think this will be the mother of all mistakes.

/ / / END ACT / / /

Mr. al-Kidwa also called for international and

U-S intervention to implement previously brokered cease-fire agreements.

Just two weeks ago, the Security Council passed a resolution, drafted by the United States, in support of a Palestinian State living side-side with Israel.

NEB/NYC/JB/EJ/PT