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

Press Statement by James P. Rubin, Spokesman
April 20, 1999

On Behalf of the Chairman of the Lebanon-Israel Monitoring Group

The Monitoring Group met on April 19, 1999 at the UNIFIL Headquarters compound in Naqura, Lebanon to consider three complaints of violation of the April 26, 1996 Understanding filed by Lebanon, as well as to conclude discussion of one complaint raised by Israel at the April 14-15 session of the Monitoring Group

With regard to the Israeli complaint, the Monitoring Group acknowledged that, following further investigation of the incident, two side-bombs were detonated against Israeli forces or those cooperating with them in the village of Arnoun on April 13, 1999, in violation of the Understanding. The Monitoring Group welcomed the statement of the Lebanese delegate concerning Lebanon's readiness to take additional measures to improve the situation on the ground as well as its commitment to the provisions of the Understanding regarding the non-use of civilian-populated areas as launching sites for military activities.

With respect to the two Lebanese complaints concerning Arnoun, the Monitoring Group acknowledged that on April 16, 1999, a television journalist was injured by a rubber bullet fired by Israeli forces or those cooperating with them in the village, in violation of the Understanding. With regard to the issue of Israel's April 15, 1999 move to control Arnoun by military means, the Group noted the serious concerns surrounding this action and its potential for raising tensions, while acknowledging there were differing views on whether this action fell within the purview of the Understanding and constituted a violation. The Group nonetheless agreed that it was in the interest of all sides to seek a solution to the issue of Arnoun and that, to this end, the issue should be further examined on an urgent basis, both by the parties and in bilateral channels, with a view to addressing the legitimate concerns of the parties. The Monitoring Group agreed that the goal of this effort would be the taking of concrete steps that would allow a return to the situation in Arnoun prior to April 15, ensure respect for the provisions of the Understanding concerning the non-use of civilian areas as launching sites for military activities, and reduce sources of tension.

With regard to the Lebanese complaint concerning the Arab-Salim, the Monitoring Group acknowledged that on April 18, 1999, following and attack initiated by a Lebanese armed group against a military target, two tank rounds fired by Israeli forces or those cooperating with them hit the village school, causing extensive damage. The Monitoring Group further acknowledged that on the same day and during the same military action, one 155mm artillery round fired by Israeli forces or those cooperating with them impacted in the village, injuring one civilian and damaging one house. The Monitoring Group concluded that this incident was a violation of the Understanding and, given the grave nature of the attack against the school, called on Israel urgently to take more effective measures to avoid a repetition of such incidents in the future.

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

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