UN Brokers Cessation of Hostilities After Clashes

UN Brokers Cessation of Hostilities After Clashes at Israel-Lebanon Withdrawal Line

New York, May 29 2006 2:00PM

Secretary-General Kofi Annan today commended the Governments of Israel and Lebanon for avoiding a further escalation along the withdrawal line between their countries after the United Nations brokered a cessation of hostilities following serious clashes there.

A spokesman for Mr. Annan issued a statement in New York voicing concern at the incidents across the so-called Blue Line yesterday.

"The Secretary-General is pleased that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and his senior representatives in the area were able to broker a cessation of hostilities" which the United Nations is continuing to investigate, the spokesman said.

Mr. Annan also commended the Israeli and Lebanese Governments for "avoiding further escalation."

Through his spokesman, the Secretary-General called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and respect fully the Blue Line. "He particularly urges the Government of Lebanon to make every effort to exercise its control over the use of force from its territory," the statement said.

ENDS

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