Recent S. Lebanon hostilities undermine stability - UNIFIL commander

BEIRUT, Feb 2 (KUNA) -- Commander of UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon Major-General Luciano Portolano has said last week's military hostilities were "threatening stability" established since 2006, "and jeopardizing international forces, security of the south and safety of its people." In a statement after a meeting with Prime Minister Tammam Salam Monday, Portolano said he conveyed his concern to Salam over the military acts that killed a Spanish UN peacekeeper.
He was quoted by the National News Agency (NNA) as saying there was a dire need to "prevent any further escalation that will undermine peace and security which were achieved and preserved in southern Lebanon since 2006." Hezbollah attacked an Israeli force in the occupied Shebaa Farms killing two soldiers and injuring seven others. Israeli forces retaliated by bombarding southern Lebanon killing the UN peacekeeper.
Portolano urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, and noted that the situation in UNIFIL's operations' zone was stable and under control.
He commended Salam's commitment to abide by UN resolution 1701. (end) wsm.bs