China strongly condemns deadly attack against United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon

BEIJING, March 30 (Xinhua) -- China strongly condemns the attack against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), urging the immediate cessation of any attacks against United Nations peacekeepers, said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning at a regular press briefing here on Monday.

Mao's remarks came after a UNIFIL peacekeeper was killed and another injured when a projectile exploded at a UNIFIL position near a southern Lebanese village, according to UNIFIL on early Monday.

"We mourn the loss of life and our hearts go out to the injured," Mao said.

She noted that any deliberate attack against UN peacekeeping personnel is a serious violation of international humanitarian law and the UN Security Council resolution 1701, and is absolutely unacceptable and must stop immediately.

"China urges relevant parties to de-escalate the situation and take concrete measures to ensure the safety of UN peacekeeping personnel," Mao said.