UN Security Council condemns killing of peacekeeper in Lebanon

UNITED NATIONS, June 12 (Xinhua) -- UN Security Council members on Friday condemned the killing of a Serbian peacekeeper from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on June 4.

According to a Security Council press statement, the peacekeeper died from critical injuries sustained when mortar shells struck his position, and two other peacekeepers were injured.

Council members called on the United Nations to swiftly investigate the attack through UNIFIL, and called for those responsible for the attack to be held accountable without delay.

Seven UNIFIL peacekeepers have been killed and several others wounded while performing their duties in southern Lebanon since hostilities escalated on March 2.

Council members reaffirmed their full support for UNIFIL and urged all parties to take all measures to respect the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and premises, as well as the freedom of movement of the mission.

The members reiterated their commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity. They called on the international community to intensify its support to the Lebanese Armed Forces, including equipment, material and finance, to ensure their effective and sustainable deployment south of the Litani River and to enhance their capacity to implement Security Council Resolution 1701.

Expressing concern about the escalation of hostilities in recent days, the Council urged all actors to immediately cease hostilities, respect the June 3 ceasefire, and fully implement Security Council resolution 1701. Enditem