Beirut, Lebanon
Monday, 16 December 2013
The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Derek Plumbly today met with Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

After the meeting, he drew attention to the statement of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon who deplored the shooting yesterday of an Israel Defense Forces soldier by a Lebanese Armed Forces soldier, in the vicinity of the Blue Line at Naqoura, and his calls for calm. Noting the cooperation of the IDF and the LAF with UNIFIL to ascertain the facts, the Secretary-General reminded the Lebanese Armed Forces of their responsibilities under Security Council Resolution 1701 and strongly urged both sides to exercise restraint.

Special Coordinator Plumbly took the opportunity also to condemn the attacks last night on two Lebanese army checkpoints at Al-Awali, north of Sidon, and in Majdalyoun, in Sidon. He expressed his condolences for the tragic death of a Lebanese soldier and hoped for the quick recovery of others who were injured in the incidents. The Special Coordinator reiterated the United Nations’ strong support for the efforts of the Lebanese Armed Forces to maintain security and stability in the country at a time of mounting security challenges. He hoped all those involved in those attacks would be brought to justice as soon as possible.

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