SC/8289
     12 January 2005

Press Statement on Attacks, Loss of Life in Middle East by Security Council President

NEW YORK, 11 January (UN Headquarters) -- Following is today’s press statement by Security Council President César Mayoral (Argentina) on the recent attacks in the Middle East and the resulting loss of life:

The members of the Security Council received a briefing from the Secretariat yesterday following the lethal attack by Hezbollah against an Israeli patrol and the Israeli military response, which resulted in the killing and wounding of United Nations military observers on 9 January.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their call on the parties to fulfil the commitments they have given to respect in its entirety the Blue Line and to exercise the utmost restraint.

The members of the Security Council paid tribute to those who have lost their life or been injured in the service of the United Nations, and expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims and their families.  They reaffirmed the imperative to respect, in all circumstances, the safety and security of United Nations personnel.

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