Lebanon Reaffirms Support for UN Peacekeeping Mission
(MENAFN) Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon’s steadfast commitment to the continued presence of the UN peacekeeping mission (UNIFIL) in the southern region of the country.
Speaking on Tuesday, Aoun emphasized that the mission will remain in place as long as required to guarantee the complete enforcement of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
During his discussion with UNIFIL Commander Major General Diodato Abagnara, the president highlighted the ongoing deployment of the Lebanese army along the southern border.
He noted that the military will maintain its position until the international boundary is fully stabilized and safeguarded.
Aoun underscored “the importance of cooperation between the army, UNIFIL forces, and residents of southern towns and villages,” considering it essential for preserving calm and order in the region.
Adopted in 2006, Resolution 1701 mandates a total cessation of hostilities between the Israeli state and the Lebanese group Hezbollah.
It also calls for the creation of a buffer zone, free of weapons, stretching from the Blue Line—a recognized but unofficial border—to the Litani River. The only exceptions allowed within this zone are the Lebanese army and UNIFIL forces.
UNIFIL has been stationed in southern Lebanon since 1978, and its presence was considerably expanded following the adoption of Resolution 1701 after the conflict in 2006 between Israel and Hezbollah.
The peacekeeping mission’s current authorization is set to expire on August 31, 2025, unless extended by the UN Security Council.
Citing reports from Israeli media, Israel has formally requested that the United States advocate for the termination of UNIFIL’s mandate in Lebanon.
This development comes in the aftermath of a military campaign initiated by Israel on October 8, 2023.
The conflict escalated significantly by September 2024, evolving into a full-scale war that resulted in the deaths of over 4,000 individuals and injuries to approximately 17,000.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
