Today's attack in the Sheba'a Farms area is a clear violation of the line of withdrawal established under United Nations Security Council Resolution 425. We condemn this attack, for which Hezbollah has claimed responsibility, as a clear provocation designed to escalate a situation which is already very tense.

In keeping with its commitment to U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the Lebanese Government must immediately act to implement its obligations under Security Council Resolution 425, reassert its authority over all Lebanese territory, and prevent any repetition of such acts or further violations of the line of withdrawal.

We further call on all parties to take immediate steps to reduce tensions, restore calm, refrain from any further provocative acts.

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