UN calls for end to Israeli violations of Lebanese airspace

The United Nations on Saturday called for an end to Israel's continued violations of Lebanese airspace, while giving a positive assessment of the situation in south Lebanon.

Geir Pedersen, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's representative in Lebanon, made the call after a meeting with Lebanese Foreign Minister Fawzi Sallukh, local media reported.

"Things in the south are looking very well, but we need an end to the (Israeli) overflights," Pedersen was quoted as saying.

The UN envoy said that the Israeli overflights were a violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and of the UN Security Council Resolution 1701 calling for an end to the 34-day-long Israel-Hezbollah war on Aug. 14.

Israel has continued to carry out flights over the Lebanese territory despite a UN-brokered ceasefire which ended the July- August conflict between Israel and Hezbollah guerrillas.

The flights have increasingly been criticized by the international community, but Israel said it would continue its controversial flights over Lebanon, which were needed to stem alleged arms smuggling to Hezbollah.

Source: Xinhua