Ban Visits UNIFIL HQ in Naqoura, Hails Prevalence of Calm in South
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon visited the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Thursday where he was received by UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Luciano Portolano, announced the international force in a statement.
Speaking during his visit to the headquarters of UNIFIL, on the first day of his two-day tour of the country, the secretary general noted that southern Lebanon has seen one of the quietest periods in nearly four decades since the adoption of the U.N. Security Council resolution 1701 in 2006.
“Prevalence of a stable security environment in south Lebanon, continued commitment of the parties to the cessation of hostilities, increasing ability of the Lebanese Armed Forces to ensure security of the country – these are the key elements for the successful implementation of the [UNIFIL] mandate,” said Ban.
He called for making an effective and meaningful use of the world body’s peacekeeping mission in Lebanon in preventing hostilities and de-escalate tension in the southern part of the country.
He particularly stressed upon the need to make the continued use of the tripartite forum – comprising Lebanon, Israel and UNIFIL – to resolve any differences between the parties and towards the full implementation of the resolution 1701.
He underlined the need for a strong cooperation between the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL in south Lebanon, including through the Strategic Dialogue process, and efforts that are underway to ensure the implementation of the resolution 1701.
“The Strategic Dialogue remains crucial if the Lebanese army are to take on greater responsibilities in UNIFIL’s area of operations,” he said, calling for an increased international assistance in support of the military in order for them to fulfill their vital responsibilities throughout the country, as recently emphasized by the Security Council.
For his part, Portolano said: “In the face of multiple challenges facing south Lebanon, UNIFIL has been providing a strong deterrent to the resumption of hostilities.”
Earlier in the day, Ban received a guard of honor from the uniformed members of UNIFIL.
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