Annan: Middle East Force Key to Ending Bloodshed
``A multinational force is essential to a gradual restoration of trust between the two sides, which is so vital if further steps toward a broad framework for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace are to be taken,'' Annan said.

Elaborating on a concept he voiced in Geneva last Friday, Annan said such a force would be in Israel's interest and put ''an international spotlight on any extremist Palestinian groups that try to undermine a cease-fire by continuing to engage in terrorism'' such as suicide bombings.

Annan called on Israel to allow humanitarian workers full access to the devastated Jenin refugee camp, describing the situation there as ``horrific.''

U.N. officials visiting the camp on Thursday found ``people digging out corpses from the rubble with bare hands,'' he said.

``Meanwhile no major emergency rescue operation has been allowed to begin. The destruction is massive and the impact on the civilian population is devastating,'' Annan said.
But he did not call for an immediate U.N. investigation as Arab nations are demanding in a new Security Council draft resolution. ``For the moment I would prefer we concentrated on getting assistance to those in need,'' he said.

``I think a time will come for an investigation to be undertaken,'' he told reporters after his council briefing. ``But that is not the top priority.''
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