New York

08 January 2009

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Lebanon - Firing of rockets against Israel

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the firing of rockets against Israel from southern Lebanon on 8 January. Israel Defense Forces returned fire with several artillery rounds directed at the location from where the rockets originated. UNIFIL [UN Interim Force in Lebanon] is investigating the circumstances of the incident in close cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces. The Secretary-General is relieved that today's incident did not escalate and urges both parties to exercise maximum restraint. He takes this opportunity to remind the parties of their obligation to fully adhere to Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and respect the cessation of hostilities agreement.