Re "U.N. Chief Tells Israel It Must End 'Illegal Occupation' " (front page, March 13):

There is simply no established basis in international law to justify characterizing Israel as an occupier of the disputed land in the West Bank and Gaza. Of all people, Secretary General Kofi Annan should know better than to use the often-repeated, though inaccurate, term "occupation" to describe Israel's position on this territory.

By ignoring the language and applicability of Security Council Resolution 242 and the steps taken to put the Oslo agreements into effect, the secretary general furthers the efforts of those who seek to negate Israel's legitimate rights under recognized international law.

In the midst of concerted American and international efforts to find a way to quell the horrific violence between Israel and the Palestinians, Mr. Annan has seemingly put the weight of his office behind those who would prejudge the outcome of future territorial negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians