"For three years now, south Lebanon has witnessed its longest period of calm in decades," said Williams after meeting Hizbullah international relations chief Ammar Moussawi on Friday.

He was referring to the end of a devastating 2006 war in Lebanon between Israel and Hizbullah, which largely controls Lebanon's south.

"However, there is concern that recent incidents could easily destabilize the situation in the area and increase the threat of potential conflict," Williams added.

On Thursday, Williams voiced his concern regarding the delay in forming a Cabinet in Lebanon hoping that all the Lebanese parties will offer the necessary compromises to go forth in the formation.

Williams who was meeting with the leader of the Lebanese Forces Samir Geagea, welcomed the open dialogue policy amongst the Lebanese wishing that it will help find a solution soon.

The U.N. official let Geagea in on the report regarding resolution 1701 and the discussions that will be held in the Security Council on the tenth of November. Williams will be heading to New York in 10 days for this purpose.

As to the tension taking place in south Lebanon, Williams manifested his concern saying "we had a rocket attack two days ago, we had rocket attacks on September 11, [and] in July, we had the incident in Khirbet Selm, then some sort of incident in Tyre five months ago. This is too much, and with every incident, there is the risk, the danger, that … the tension could rise dramatically."

"It's more than three years since the war and so far, the cessation of hostilities has held very well, but incidents like this put the cessation of hostilities at risk, and we cannot afford it," Williams added.(AFP-Naharnet)