Russia urges Lebanon, Israel to prevent escalation

Russia urges Lebanon, Israel to prevent escalation

13:5712/09/2009

MOSCOW, September 12 (RIA Novosti) - Russia has urged Israel and Lebanon to prevent an escalation in tensions after an exchange of fire on the border between the two countries.

Two rockets fired from Lebanon hit northern Israel on Friday. No casualties were reported and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Israel responded by firing artillery rounds into Lebanon. Again, no injuries were reported.

A statement on the Russian Foreign Ministry's website called on the two sides to observe the ceasefire that ended a 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. The conflict began as a result of a border incursion by Hezbollah.

The war saw Israeli troops enter Lebanon. Over 1,200 Lebanese and 160 Israelis died in the fighting.

[link to en.rian.ru]