Air violations across the Blue Line – PRSG statement – Press release

Press Statement by the Personal Representative of the Secretary-General

for Southern Lebanon, 04 October 2001

Yesterday was not a good day for the Blue Line.

During the course of the day 12 Israeli military overflights took place across the Blue Line. Some were deep inside Lebanese territory and sonic booms were heard over Beirut and Tripoli.

In the late afternoon, Hizballah launched a military attack across the Blue Line on two IDF fixed positions in the Shebaa Farms area. The attack was heavy and involved artillery/mortar rounds, missiles and rocket. The IDF subsequently shelled the area, in Lebanon from where the attacks originated.

Comments

– Respect for the Blue Line is a guarantee for the stability of the area and the Security Council has frequently called on all concerned parties and entities to retrain from any violations thereof

– Yesterday, the Blue Line was loudly and violently trespassed.

– Fortunately there were no casualties, neither civilian nor military

– We are aware that, as referred to in the UNIFIL Security Council Report, the Government of Lebanon has reservations regarding the status of the Shebaa Farms area. The Security Council, however, bas been clear regarding the issue and considers such action in the Shebaa, Farms area as a violation of the Blue Line.

Finally, this is clearly very bad timing for such activities that increase tension in the region.

The fact that there were no victim and that attack and counter-attack near the Shebaa Farms area was limited to that area should help in containing this incident without any further escalation.

The United Nations is calling for the cessation of provocative actions and reminding all parties to exercise maximum restraint and respect for the Blue Line.

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