Palestinian observer demands condemnation of Israel

The Palestinian UN observer has demanded the world condemn Israel for "obstructing" a fact-finding team investigate Israel's attack on the Jenin refugee camp.

Nasser Al-Kidwa also repeated claims, vehemently denied by Israel, that Israeli troops committed atrocities during the April attack.

The mission was called off on Thursday by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan after he tried for 13 days to overcome Israeli objections.

"We strongly condemn Israel's decision ... to impede and obstruct the work of the team," Mr Al-Kidwa said at a Security Council debate. "We believe that the whole world should condemn that Israeli position with all possible power."

He again demanded investigators be sent to the camp.

Annan said it would have been better for everyone if the fact-finding team had been allowed to clarify the Jenin events.

"The long shadow which has been cast over Jenin will be with us for a while," he said.

Mr Al-Kidwa said he still wanted the 15-member council to adopt a resolution demanding Israel cooperate with the mission.

If it did not, he said Arab nations would appeal to a General Assembly special session that probably will be held on Tuesday.