UNIFIL Chief: Rocket-firing at Israel violates UN resolution 1701

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) General Commander Major-General Paolo Serra said Sunday that the firing of two rockets from Lebanon at Israel was a serious incident that undermines regional stability. "This is a very serious incident in violation of UN Security Council resolution 1701 and is clearly directed at undermining stability in the area," Serra said in a statement issued on UNIFIL website. "UNIFIL's first imperative is to ensure that there is no further escalation of the situation and I have been assured by the parties of their full cooperation with UNIFIL in this effort and of their continued commitment to the cessation of hostilities," he said. "Our troops on the ground are working with the Lebanese Armed Forces to reinforce security and locate the rocket launching site. UNIFIL has intensified its patrols across our area of operations to prevent any further incidents. It is of paramount importance to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of this attack and we will spare no efforts to this end working in cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces," he noted. Earlier, the Israeli army launched an offensive on areas in southern Lebanon in response to the Katyusha rockets-attack launched from southern Lebanon. (pickup previous) ayb.