(22 June 2011 - Force Commander calls on Prime Minister, Defence Minister and LAF Commander)

UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas today called on Prime Minister Najib Mikati in Beirut. Earlier this morning, the Force Commander also called on Minister of Defence Fayez Ghosn and held a periodic meeting with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander General Jean Kahwagi.

The Force Commander briefed the Lebanese officials on UNIFIL activities and the general situation in south Lebanon in the context of UNIFIL's mandate under UN Security Council resolution 1701.

Following the meetings, Major-General Asarta said: "This was my first meeting with Prime Minister Najib Mikati after he assumed office. The Prime Minister expressed his keenness about the situation in south Lebanon and the work of UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) there."

"Earlier today I also met for the first time with Defence Minister Ghosn and had the opportunity to deliberate on our strategic cooperation with the LAF, which is the cornerstone of our mandate implementation under resolution 1701."
"The importance of continuing our operations on the ground in coordination with the LAF cannot be overstressed. I assured my interlocutors of UNIFIL's resolve to remain steadfast in this task against all odds."

"I am particularly encouraged by the Prime Minister's strong support for our work that was echoed also by the Defence Minister. This is very important for the success of UNIFIL's mission."