Secretary-General condemns Hizbollah attacks across blue line,

 

calls for immediate, unconditional release of Israeli captives

 

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

The Secretary-General condemns the attacks by Hizbollah across the Blue Line, which resulted in Israeli deaths and injuries, and the capture of two Israeli soldiers.  This violent act is a blatant breach of Security Council resolutions 425, 1559, 1655 and 1680.

The Secretary-General calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the Israeli captives.  This incident, and subsequent developments, which endanger an already volatile region, demonstrates once again how urgent it is that the Lebanese Government extends its control over all Lebanese territory and prevents such attacks across the Blue Line.

It is essential that all concerned exercise maximum restraint at this time to avoid any further escalation.  All should respect fully their obligations under international humanitarian law.

The Secretary-General appeals to leaders in the region and beyond to do their utmost to contain this conflict by obtaining the release of the soldiers and pressing for restraint.

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For information media • not an official record