Secretary-General Welcomes Unanimous Adoption of Security Council Resolution 2373 (2017) Extending United Nations Force in Lebanon

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General welcomes the unanimous adoption by the Security Council of resolution 2373 (2017) extending the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) until 31 August 2018.

The Secretary-General reiterates that UNIFIL, in close cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces, will continue to enhance its operational activities to effectively implement its mandate, consistent with resolution 2373 (2017).  The Secretary-General urges the international community to further support the Government of Lebanon in this regard.

The Secretary-General emphasizes the need for the parties to build on the prevailing calm, to focus on the goal of a permanent ceasefire and to act proactively to address all outstanding issues in the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) and other relevant Security Council resolutions.  UNIFIL, in close coordination with the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator, is ready to lend its full support to the parties in this process.

The Secretary-General extends his gratitude to the countries contributing troops to UNIFIL.  He expresses his confidence in the leadership and staff of the mission.