Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 May 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 19 May 2005. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 May 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Lebanon

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on recent Israeli attacks on Lebanese border villages.

Answer: We are aware of a number of exchanges of fire on the Blue Line earlier this month. We understand that during these exchanges of fire, some Israeli artillery landed on the Lebanese side of the Blue Line, although Lebanese villages were not hit. On 13 May the Israeli Defence Force attacked Hizballah positions in southern Lebanon following a missile attack from Lebanon on the northern Israeli town of Shlomi and mortar and missile attacks on the area of Har Dov/Sheba'a Farms. We understand that the missile and mortar attacks were in response to Israeli overflights of Lebanese territory.We are concerned about these infringements of the Blue Line and welcome the statements by the United Nations Secretary General on 10, 13 and 16 May expressing his own concern and calling for all parties to show restraint. We reiterate those sentiments and call on all parties to abide by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1310 and other relevant UN resolutions. In this sensitive political time in Lebanon it is irresponsible for any party to heighten tension along the Blue Line.

Secondary information