SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS HEZBOLLAH’S SHELLING OF ISRAEL

The following was issued by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan on 10 August:

The Secretary-General of the United Nations strongly condemns the shelling of anti-aircraft missiles by Hezbollah into Israel that cost the life of a young Israeli of 16 and wounded four other civilians in the town of Shlomi.  This represents a serious violation of the blue line and of Security Council's resolutions.  He extends his sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims.

The Secretary-General 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.

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