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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement

Press Statement by James B. Foley, Deputy Spokesman
March 17, 1999

On Behalf of the Chairman of the Monitoring Group

The Monitoring Group met on March 16, 1999, at the UNIFIL Headquarters compound in Naqura, Lebanon to consider four complaints of violation of the April 26, 1996 Understanding, two filed by Israel and two by Lebanon..

With regard to the Israeli complaint regarding Jarjou, the Monitoring Group acknowledged that on March 5, 1999, two mortar rounds were fired by a Lebanese armed group from near houses in the village, in violation of the Understanding.

With regard to the Lebanese complaint concerning Zellaya and the Israeli complaint concerning Ain-Qiniyia, the Monitoring Group acknowledged that on March 12, 1999, during the course of a military action initiated by a Lebanese armed group, three 120 mm rounds fired by Israel or those cooperating with it impacted in Zellaya, damaging one house in violation of the Understanding. The Monitoring Group acknowledged that during the same military action, one mortar round fired by a Lebanese armed group impacted in the village Ain-Qiniyia, damaging one house in violation of the understanding.

With regard to the Lebanese complaint concerning Hadatha, the Monitoring Group acknowledged that on March 13, 1999, during a military exchange initiated by a Lebanese armed group, two 120 mm rounds impacted inside the village, injuring two civilians, damaging eight houses, four cars, and an electrical network, and killing one animal, in violation of the Understanding.

The Monitoring Group welcomed the readiness of the parties to accept responsibility for the actions of their side, noting that this contributes to the effective functioning of the Group and helps reduce tensions. In this regard, while noting the steps each side has taken to exercise restraint, the Monitoring Group underscored the continuing importance and urgency of both sides redoubling their efforts to avoid provocative actions and to strengthen implementation of the Understanding.

The Monitoring Group expressed its great appreciation to UNIFIL for providing facilities and support for the meeting.

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