Aoun warns of security vacuum if UNIFIL departs without replacement
“There is fear that any vacuum in the South as a result of UNIFIL's departure could have negative repercussions on stability in the region
President Joseph Aoun on Tuesday told the visiting Irish Foreign and Defense Minister Helen McEntee that "Lebanon desires the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to continue its operational mission during the upcoming year designated for its withdrawal under the Security Council resolution.”
“This is given the importance of its presence in the South to monitor the situation on one hand, and to assist the Lebanese Army when it deploys up to the southern international borders following Israel's withdrawal, as well as the importance of the humanitarian, social, and health missions carried out by UNIFIL forces to assist the residents of southern villages, who welcome the presence of peacekeepers on their land," Aoun said.
He added that "in the event of a lack of response to the Lebanese request to extend UNIFIL's mandate, Lebanon welcomes the participation of any European force according to a formula agreed upon with the European Union or with the concerned countries in cooperation with the United Nations.”
“There is fear that any vacuum in the South as a result of UNIFIL's departure could have negative repercussions on stability in the region," Aoun warned, noting that "the logistical and technical support that a replacement force for UNIFIL could provide would have a positive impact in facilitating the Lebanese Army's mission and the lives of the southern community."
Aoun also lamented that "Israel has not abided by the agreement reached in the negotiations in Washington and continues its attacks on southern villages and towns through bombing, destruction, and bulldozing of homes," noting that "the contacts Lebanon made with the U.S., in its capacity as the sponsor of the agreement, to put an end to these attacks remain without result.”
“Furthermore, Israel is placing obstacles in the way of implementing the agreement, which further complicates matters and prevents the Lebanese Army from extending state sovereignty up to the international borders, preventing armed appearances, and restoring stability," the president added.
He said that "Lebanon looks forward to the support of friendly nations, including Ireland, to pressure Israel to stop its attacks, withdraw from the South, return Lebanese prisoners, and enable the state to rebuild the destroyed villages and towns and return their residents to them."
Source: Naharnet
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