Security Council Press Statement on Situation in Lebanon

 

The following Security Council press statement was read out today by Council President U. Joy Ogwu ( Nigeria):

The members of the Security Council commend the active role of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in ensuring the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).  The members of the Security Council strongly deplore the recent incidents involving UNIFIL peacekeepers, which took place in southern Lebanon on 29 June, 3 July and 4 July in the UNIFIL area of operation.  The members of the Security Council welcome the fact that, in its statement of 8 July, the Government of Lebanon deplored the above-mentioned incidents, reaffirmed its commitment to UNIFIL as well as to the full implementation of resolution 1701 (2006).

In this regard, the members of the Security Council emphasize the importance of not impairing the ability of UNIFIL to fulfil its mandate under Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).  They call on all parties to ensure that the freedom of movement of UNIFIL remains respected, in conformity with its mandate and its rules of engagement.  The members of the Security Council also call on all parties to abide scrupulously by their obligation to respect the safety of UNIFIL and other United Nations personnel.

The members of the Security Council call for continued reinforcement of the cooperation between the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL.  The members of the Security Council stress the importance of increasing the Lebanese Armed Forces deployed in southern Lebanon, consistent with resolution 1701 (2006).

The members of the Security Council reiterate their full support for UNIFIL and call on all parties to cooperate with the Mission in order to fully implement resolution 1701 (2006).

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For information media • not an official record