Plumbly from South: Cooperation between UNIFIL, Army, Residents Key to Resolution 1701 Success

United Nations Special Coordinator Derek Plumbly paid a visit on Thursday to southern Lebanon, where he praised the implementation of U.N. Security Council resolution 1701.

He said: “The strong cooperation that exists between UNIFIL, the Lebanese army and the local population is key to its success.”

“The implementation of the resolution since 2006 has made possible unprecedented calm in south Lebanon,” he added.

His visit included a tour of the town of Bint Jbeil.

Plumbly was accompanied on his visit by MPs Hassan Fadlallah and Ali Bazzi, officers of the Lebanese army, and the head of municipalities of Bint Jbeil and surrounding areas.

He stated: “I have been particularly impressed by the reconstruction efforts that have taken place since the war of 2006 and by the determination of the people to rebuild their homes and livelihoods and by the economic activity and prosperity they have generated.”

“We hope that the prevailing calm will continue and that the remaining requirements of the resolution will be met in order to achieve a long-term and permanent ceasefire along the Blue Line,” he continued.

The U.N. official also highlighted the danger of cluster bombs and landmines left over from the Israeli assault on Lebanon during the July 2006 war.

“I have been very impressed by the formidable efforts of the Lebanese army and international NGOs who have been working tirelessly to clear south Lebanon from this terrible legacy of cluster bombs and landmines,” said Plumbly.

“The United Nations and international community remain committed to assisting the Lebanese authorities in this endeavor,” he stressed.

Furthermore, he noted that “the unprecedented stability in south Lebanon since 2006 has created a favorable environment for economic development.”