Lebanon: UN Envoy Concerned Over Hizbollah Attacks And Israeli Retaliation
Responding to exchanges of fire along the Israel-Lebanon withdrawal line, a United Nations envoy today called on the
parties to avoid a further deterioration of the already tense situation.
Staffan de Mistura, Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Personal Representative for Southern Lebanon, released a statement in
Beirut pointing to "repetitive and serious" violations of the Blue Line.
He noted that Hizbollah, using rockets and mortars, yesterday launched a "heavy attack" on Israeli military positions in
the Shebaa farms area. This was immediately followed by "heavy retaliation" by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF), which
used aerial bombs, mortars, artillery and small arms fire. The fighting lasted for over two hours.
Mr. de Mistura voiced the UN's "deep concern regarding the attack by Hizbollah, launched at a time when regional
tensions are already at a high point."
"Both Hizbollah's action and the Israeli response constitute grave breaches of the Blue Line and risk a further,
dangerous escalation," he warned, calling on all parties to avoid further violations and to abide by their obligations
under relevant Security Council resolutions.