Secretary-General strongly condemns rocket fire against Israel from southern

Lebanon; urges both parties to exercise maximum restraint

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the firing of rockets against Israel from southern Lebanon on 8 January.  Israel Defense Forces returned fire with several artillery rounds directed at the location from where the rockets originated.  UNIFIL [United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon] is investigating the circumstances of the incident in close cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces.  The Secretary-General is relieved that today’s incident did not escalate and urges both parties to exercise maximum restraint.  He takes this opportunity to remind the parties of their obligation to fully adhere to Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and respect the cessation of hostilities agreement.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record