Secretary-General deplores rocket attack from Lebanon into israel

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General deplores the firing of Katyusha rockets from Lebanon into the Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona last night.  The rockets caused serious damage to property, but fortunately there were no casualties.

The Secretary-General notes the fragility of the situation in Lebanon and the wider region.  He calls once again on the Government of Lebanon to extend its control over all its territory, to exert its monopoly on the use of force, and to put an end to all such attacks.  The Secretary-General calls on all parties to respect fully the Blue Line and to avoid any actions that could lead to an escalation of the situation.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record