SECRETARY-GENERAL DEEPLY CONCERNED AT ESCALATION IN ISR"LI-LEBANON SECTOR
Press Release
SG/SM/7046
SECRETARY-GENERAL DEEPLY CONCERNED AT ESCALATION IN ISRAELI-LEBANON SECTOR
19990625 The following statement was issued today by the Office of the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:The Secretary-General is deeply concerned at the escalation in the Israel-Lebanon sector. Over the last three weeks, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) had reported an apparent slackening of control on both sides over their personnel in south Lebanon; this has affected the civilian population, as well as UNIFIL. Yesterday's direct attacks on civilian targets in several areas of Lebanon and the rocket fire into northern Israel represent a serious escalation. That innocent civilians lost their lives is particularly deplorable.
The Secretary-General calls on the parties to cooperate with UNIFIL in containing the conflict. Above all, innocent civilians must not be targeted, and the international status of United Nations personnel must be respected.
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