Security Council Press Statement on United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon

 

The following Security Council statement was issued today by Council President Vitaly Churkin (Russian Federation):

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 Tyre, Lebanon, on 9 December, which injured five United Nations peacekeepers of the French battalion and two civilians.  The members of the Security Council expressed their sympathy to the injured and their families.

The members of the Security Council noted the commitment of Lebanon to launch an investigation, to bring to justice the perpetrators of this attack and to protect UNIFIL movements.  In this regard, they also called for enhanced cooperation between the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL and for the rapid finalization of this investigation.

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