UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major-General Luciano Portolano today called on Lebanese Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Tammam Salam in Beirut.

Discussions focused on the situation in UNIFIL’s area of operations and issues related to the implementation of UNIFIL’s mandate under UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

Following the meetings, Major-General Portolano said: “I had very good meetings with the leaders today. I was encouraged to hear from them very strong words of support for UNIFIL and the work we are doing on the ground, as well as reaffirmation of Lebanon’s commitment to the implementation of resolution 1701.”

”We discussed the situation in southern Lebanon in the context of the latest report of the Secretary-General on implementation of resolution 1701 that was deliberated at the Security Council on Wednesday. We also talked about the last Tripartite meeting held at Ras Naqoura and the important role this forum plays as an indispensable confidence building mechanism that has proved effective in containing incidents or violations and de-conflicting the situation at critical moments. I briefed the leaders on UNIFIL’s efforts together with the Lebanese Armed Forces to maintain calm and stability in our area of operations and along the Blue Line. I conveyed my particular admiration for the LAF’s work and efforts in the face of the immense security challenges that the country is facing”.

“Speaker Berri and Prime Minister Salam were appreciative of the excellent relations UNIFIL peacekeepers have with the people of south Lebanon. I told them that we highly value the generosity and kindness of our host community; their welfare and safety are at the heart of our activities.”

I thanked the leaders for their strong support and assured them of our continued best efforts to preserve the calm along the Blue Line and to work towards peace and stability in South Lebanon.”