The United Nations has called on Damascus to end its incursions into Lebanon, which have left three Syrians dead in recent weeks, warning the raids could ignite tensions in the region. “I strongly deplore the violent incursions and raids into Lebanese towns and villages by Syrian security forces that resulted in death and injury,” said UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in a report release late Wednesday. “I call upon the government of the Syrian Arab Republic immediately to cease all such incursions and to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Ban added.
“These incursions and the ongoing crisis in Syria carry the potential of igniting further tensions inside Lebanon and beyond.” Syrian tanks in recent weeks have crossed into disputed border areas and Lebanese territory, shooting dead three Syrian citizens. The incursions have raised fears of the revolt against the regime in Damascus spilling over into Lebanon. Ban also urged the two countries to finalise the delineation of a Lebanese-Syrian border, parts of which remain disputed, saying the move was “an essential step to allow for proper border control”.
