Violations across the Blue Line – Spokesman’s Office (excerpts)


HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NOON BRIEFING

BY HUA JIANG
DEPUTY  SPOKESMAN FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS
UN HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK

Monday, August 11, 2003

/…

ANNAN CONDEMNS SHELLING BY HEZBOLLAH INTO ISRAEL

  • In a statement issued Sunday, the Secretary-General strongly condemned the shelling of anti-aircraft missiles by Hezbollah into Israel that cost the life of a 16-year-old Israeli and wounded four other civilians in the town of Shlomi. This represents a serious violation of the Blue Line and of the Security Council’s resolutions.
  • The Secretary-General extended his sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims. He is deeply concerned by the current escalation in the area and calls upon all parties involved to fully respect the Blue Line.  He urges all Governments that have influence on Hezbollah to deter it from any further actions which could increase the tension in the area.  Meanwhile, he calls upon the Government of Israel to exercise utmost restraint.
  • Today, the Secretary-General’s Personal Representative for Southern Lebanon, Staffan de Mistura, met with Lebanese Foreign Minister Jean Obeid to discuss the serious situation along the Blue Line. He told reporters afterwards that the United Nations was appealing to all sides to stop a potential escalation, both in anti-aircraft fire from Lebanon and in overflights from Israel.
  • He noted that both activities are wrong, but added that “they are not equivalent,” since the anti-aircraft fire from Lebanon Sunday resulted in the first civilian victim since Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon three years ago.
  • Asked about the Secretary-General’s contacts on the Middle East, the Spokeswoman said he had called King Abdullah of Jordan on Saturday.

/…

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


Document Type: Note
Document Sources: Secretary-General
Subject: Incidents
Publication Date: 11/08/2003
2019-03-12T19:23:57-04:00

Share This Page, Choose Your Platform!

Go to Top