Security Council Press Statement on United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon

 

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Peter Wittig (Germany):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack against a United Nations Interim force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) convoy near Saida, Lebanon, on 26 July, which injured six United Nations peacekeepers of the French battalion.  The members of the Security Council expressed their sympathy to the injured and their families.

The members of the Security Council welcomed the commitment of Lebanon to launch an investigation and to bring to justice the perpetrators of this attack.  They also recognized the cooperation between the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL.

The members of the Security Council condemned all attempts to threaten the security and stability of Lebanon, and reaffirmed their determination to ensure that no such acts of intimidation will prevent UNIFIL from implementing its mandate in accordance with Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).

The members of the Security Council called on all parties to abide scrupulously by their obligation to respect the safety of UNIFIL and other United Nations personnel, and to ensure that the freedom of movement of UNIFIL is fully respected, in conformity with its mandate and rules of engagement.

In this regard, the members of Security Council reaffirmed their full support to UNIFIL and expressed their strong appreciation to Member States contributing troops.

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For information media • not an official record