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Lebanon Protests Ongoing Blockade

The government of Lebanon has formally lodged a complaint with the United Nations Security Council against Israel, for the Jewish state`s continued air and sea blockade on the country in spite of Resolution 1701. Beirut said Israel has violated international laws and the U.N. resolution 1701. Israel also accuses Lebanon of not upholding 1701 in good faith. The Lebanese Foreign Ministry has called on U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan to double his efforts to lift the Israeli embargo. which it said is an "urgent matter".

The ministry has sent letters to Annan and the rotating U.N. Security Council president to address the issue. In the letters, Beirut said the continued air and sea blockades of Israel "was careless about U.N. Resolution 1701" and violates Lebanon`s sovereignty. The filing of the Lebanese complaint followed the announcement by Israel`s prime minister that the blockade would be lifed Thursday night.

The Foreign Ministry said the blockade is hampering relief efforts, in particular with regard to needy communities, rebuilding the country, deployment of security forces and the general restoration of order. Resolution 1701, which ended the 34-day war between Israel and Hizballah terrorists, calls for the reopening of Lebanese ports and airports, to be manned by Lebanese security forces and with the enforcement of a rearmament ban on Hizballah.