UN calls on Israel to stop violating Lebanese air space

The senior United Nations envoy for Southern Lebanon today called on Israel to cease its violations of Lebanese air space following an escalation of such incidents over the past 36 hours after several weeks of calm.

Expressing concern at the large number of violations, the office of Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Personal Representative, Staffan de Mistura, noted that five such incidents were recorded yesterday, and a further eight today. No anti-aircraft fire was reported.

“These breaches of Lebanese airspace disturb a calm that has prevailed over recent weeks,” the office said in a statement released in Beirut. “The United Nations renews its call on Israel to cease these violations and reminds all parties that one violation cannot not justify another.”

Mr. de Mistura issued a similar warning a month ago.