UN STATEMENT ON THE SITUATION ALONG THE BLUE LINE

The following is a statement by the Office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary General on the situation on the Blue Line: 'The UN is deeply concerned at the increase in the intensity of exchanges of fire across the Blue Line yesterday, which heightens the risk of a full-scale war . Escalation can and must be avoided. We reiterate that the danger of miscalculation leading to a sudden and wider conflagration is real. A political and diplomatic solution is the only viable way forward. On 4 July, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Lebanese Parliament visited UNIFIL to express support for UNIFIL and resolution 1701. Also yesterday, the UN Special Coordinator met with Lebanese officials, including Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, underscoring the need for de-escalation across the Blue Line. We echo the appeals of UNSCOL and UNIFIL urging the parties to immediately return to a cessation of hostilities and to recommit to the full implementation of Security Council res olution 1701 (2006)." Source: National news agency - Lebanon