Increased Israeli violation of Lebanon’s airspace
UN Envoy concerned over increased Israeli violation of Lebanon’s airspace
United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan’s Personal Representative for Southern Lebanon today expressed concern at the recent increase in violations of Lebanese airspace by Israeli aircraft after a period of relative calm in the area.
Through a statement released by a UN spokesman today, Geir O. Pedersen said the six Israeli overflights recorded over Southern Lebanon today “would appear to reverse the positive trend witnessed during April, when a reduction in Israeli overflights contributed to an atmosphere of relative calm along the Blue Line,” as the line of withdrawal in Southern Lebanon is known.
Mr. Pedersen reiterated the UN’s call on the Israeli authorities to cease what he called “violations of Lebanese sovereignty.” Reminding all parties to exercise restraint, he said that “one violation cannot justify another.”