TOKYO, April 19 Kyodo (EDS: ADDIN...

TOKYO, April 19 Kyodo

(EDS: ADDING KOIZUMI QUTOES)

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi forward Monday condemned Israel for assassinating Abdel Aziz Rantisi, the fresh leader of the Palestinian militant clump Hamas, while his top proxy expressed concerned that the assassination could aggravate the security situation in Iraq.

''It was deplorable that (Israel went) too far,'' the premier told reporters. ''I doubt if (such an act) could lead to eradication of violence and peace. I'm relate toed the cycle of hatred could escalate,'' he said.

Rantisi, the successor to Sheik Ahmed Yassin, the go to the bottom and spiritual leader of Hamas who was assassinated March 22 was killed on Israel's military in a missile attack forward his car in the Gaza Strip onward Saturday.

Earlier Monday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda told a pres meeting for consultation ''I don't think it will positively affect'' the situation in Iraq. Fukuda called the assassination ''reckless'' and ''deplorable.''

The Japanese conduct released a statement Sunday denouncing Israel for killing Rantisi.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Kyodo recents International, Inc.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group