Further bombing of Lebanon following cease-fire – SecGen Spokesman’s statement – Press release

SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES CONCERN AT REPORTS OF FURTHER BOMBING

OF LEBANON FOLLOWING CEASE-FIRE

Calls Plight of Civilians 'Desperate';

Appeals for Co-operation in Humanitarian Effort

The following statement was made today by the Spokesman for the Secretary-General:

After reports this morning of a cease-fire in Lebanon, there have been continued reports of Israeli bombardment in the Beirut area and elsewhere. The Secretary-General is deeply disturbed at these reports, particularly in view of the unanimous demands of the Security Council in its resolution 509. The Secretary-General is also concerned at reported statements from the Israeli side that the present cease-fire does not apply to their actions against the Palestinians.

The Secretary-General has just received from Chairman Arafat a reconfirmation of his acceptance of Security Council resolutions 508 and 509.

The plight of the civilian population of the area in which hostilities have taken place is desperate. The Secretary-General, as previously announced, has already taken steps to mobilize an urgent humanitarian relief operation by the appropriate organizations and programmes of the United Nations system and has been in touch with the Israeli Government in this regard.  He appeals for co-operation in this humanitarian effort, which is of the utmost urgency.  He also is appealing to Member States for the necessary assistance and resources.

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