UNSCO on Mideast regional trip - Spokesman's Office (excerpts)

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NOON BRIEFING

BY FRED ECKHARD
SPOKESMAN FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS
UN HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK

Wednesday, October 8, 2003

/…

UN ENVOY VISITS BEIRUT, NOTES DETERIORATION IN MIDDLE EAST

The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Terje Roed Larsen, is in Beirut today on the first leg of a regional tour that will also include visits to Syria and Jordan.
Earlier today, he met with Lebanese President Emile Lahoud. In speaking to reporters after the meeting, he said that the last few days have seen a sharp deterioration in the situation between Israel and its northern neighbors, Syria and Lebanon.
He added that attacks counter-attacks are “leading us down a steep and precarious path toward more violence. I seriously advise the parties not to travel down that road. Instead, all parties should respect Security Council Resolutions and the rules of international law.”
Larsen called on the Government of Israel to refrain from the unilateral use of force, address its complaints to the Security Council, and stop violations of Lebanese airspace. The Government of Lebanon must exert control over the use of force from all its territory and prevent all attacks across the Blue Line.
In closing, he said that “we must now all shoulder our responsibilities and work for moderation, restraint and just, comprehensive solutions through peaceful means.”

/…

Office of the Spokesman for the Secretary-General
United Nations, S-378
New York, NY 10017
Tel. 212-963-7162 – press/media only
Fax. 212-963-7055

All other inquiries to be addressed to (212) 963-4475 or by e-mail to: inquiries@un.org

UNSCO on Mideast regional trip – Spokesman’s Office (excerpts)