UNIFIL chief voices concern over recent Blue Line incidents
UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Aroldo Lázaro on Wednesday chaired a Tripartite meeting with senior officers of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the Israeli army at a U.N. position in Ras al-Naqoura.
Discussions focused on the situation along the Blue Line, air and ground violations, and other issues within the scope of UNIFIL’s mandate under U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006) and subsequent resolutions, a UNIFIL statement said.
Lázaro expressed his concern over a series of incidents along the Blue Line in recent months which have increased tension, urging the parties to ”continue to avail of UNIFIL’s liaison and coordination mechanisms while avoiding unilateral actions.” He also appealed for engagement in Blue Line talks to address outstanding issues, highlighting “the importance of positive signals by both parties ahead of the Security Council consideration of UNIFIL’s mandate renewal.”
Since the end of the 2006 war in south Lebanon, regular Tripartite meetings have been held under UNIFIL’s auspices as an “essential conflict-management and confidence-building mechanism.” Today was the 162nd such meeting.
Source: Naharnet
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