As peacekeepers deploy, UN concerned over violence in southern Lebanon
7 August -- As United Nations troops continued their deployment throughout southern Lebanon, UN officials today expressed concern about the possibility that incidents of violence there could escalate.
A spokesman said the UN voiced its concern with the relevant authorities following a shooting incident at the Fatima Gate near the border. At least three Lebanese civilians are reported to have been wounded by gunfire from the Israeli side. This followed an incident in which some Lebanese reportedly threw stones and "Molotov cocktails" at Israeli soldiers.
"The United Nations has repeatedly expressed its concern about the stone-throwing activities and the potential for escalation with the Lebanese authorities and hopes that such incidents can be halted," spokesman Manoel de Almeida e Silva told reporters at UN Headquarters in New York.
Meanwhile, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) today continued its deployment along the withdrawal line and in southern Lebanon. UNIFIL troops took up position at 17 new sites. The UN peacekeeping force intends to deploy into 11 additional positions in the coming days, in coordination with the Lebanese authorities.
On Sunday, UN Force Commander, Major-General Seth Kofi Obeng, flew over the newly established positions with his Lebanese counterpart.
UNIFIL was established in 1978 to confirm Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon and help the country's government restore its effective authority in the area. With the peacekeepers poised for full deployment, the Lebanese armed forces are preparing to move in. About 1,000 Lebanese security forces are expected to be deployed to the region in the coming days, according to Mr. De Almeida e Silva.
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