Aoun: Our first choice is to extend UNIFIL's mandate

President Joseph Aoun on Monday welcomed a parliamentary initiative and petition calling for the extension of the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

"The presence of UNIFIL in the south is important in many respects. It helps to keep residents in their villages and towns and strengthens stability through cooperation and coordination with the Lebanese Army," Aoun said.

He affirmed that "our first choice is to extend UNIFIL's mandate."

"If it is not extended, the second choice is to adopt a formula that guarantees the continued presence of international forces in the south, within the required legal framework, and in a way that ensures these forces operate alongside and in coordination with the Lebanese Army, supporting stability and carrying out their assigned tasks," the president added.

He pointed out that "Israel rejects the presence of UNIFIL and has been exerting pressure in this direction for nearly a year, while we are demanding its continued presence."

“The fundamental idea is to create a breakthrough that guarantees the continued international presence in the south, whether through extending UNIFIL's mandate or through additional international forces, in a way that preserves stability and strengthens the role of the Lebanese state and army," Aoun went on to say.