Asarta Meets Miqati, Ghosn, Stresses UNIFIL’s Firm Commitment to its Tasks
Prime Minister Najib Miqati stated on Wednesday that the cooperation between the Lebanese army and United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon is the main factor in maintaining the stability of the South, renewing Lebanon’s commitment to the full implementation of U.N. Security Council resolution 1701.
He hoped after holding talks with UNIFIL Commander Major General Alberto Asarta that the international organization would pressure Israel to cease its violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty, allowing a permanent ceasefire and cessation of hostilities to be implemented in line with resolution 1701.
“Immediate international efforts should be made to this end,” he added.
Asarta meanwhile said after the talks: “This was my first meeting with Miqati after he assumed office. The prime minister expressed his keenness on the situation in south Lebanon and the work of UNIFIL and the Lebanese army there.”
He also held talks with Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn and Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji, briefing them on UNIFIL activities and the general situation in southern Lebanon in the context of UNIFIL’s mandate under resolution 1701.
“Earlier today I also met for the first time with Defense Minister Ghosn and had the opportunity to deliberate on our strategic cooperation with the Lebanese army, which is the cornerstone of our mandate implementation under resolution 1701,” he stated.
“The importance of continuing our operations on the ground in coordination with the army cannot be overstressed. I assured my interlocutors of UNIFIL’s resolve to remain steadfast in this task against all odds,” Asarta continued.
“I am particularly encouraged by the prime minister’s strong support for our work that was echoed also by the defense minister. This is very important for the success of UNIFIL’s mission,” he stressed.
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