SG/SM/9867
13 May 2005

Secretary-General, Gravely Concerned over Rocket Attack from Lebanon into Israel, Reiterates Call for End to All Such Attacks

NEW YORK, 12 May (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General was gravely concerned over the firing of a Katyusha rocket from Lebanon into the village of Shlomi in northern Israel last night.  The rocket caused damage to property but, fortunately, no casualties.

The Secretary-General emphasizes once again the fragility of the situation in Lebanon and the wider region.  He reiterates his call on the Government of Lebanon to extend its control to all of its territory, to exert its monopoly on the use of force, and to put an end to all such attacks.  The Secretary-General urges all parties to fully respect the Blue Line and reminds them that one violation of the Blue Line cannot justify another.

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