SG/SM/8184
5 April 2002

SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS HEZBOLLAH ASSAULT
ON UN OBSERVERS IN SOUTH LEBANON

NEW YORK, 4 April (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the deliberate assault this morning by Hezbollah elements on unarmed United Nations military observers operating in South Lebanon.

The Secretary-General reminds all of the parties of their responsibility for the security and freedom of movement of United Nations peacekeepers.

He reiterates that any escalation of the tensions along the "Blue Line" could have serious consequences for peace and security in the region.

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