(02 June 2011, UNIFIL Press Statement on Tripartite Meeting held today)

The Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas, today convened a tripartite meeting with senior officials from the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) at the UN Position at Ras Al Naqoura crossing.

The meeting focused on the tragic incident of 15 May 2011 on the Blue Line near Maroun ar-Ra's, in order to facilitate UNIFIL's ongoing investigation into the facts and circumstances relating to the incident.

Following the meeting Major-General Asarta said: "Our discussions today will help UNIFIL's investigation into the tragic events of 15 May. My priority now is to bring the investigation to a speedy conclusion."

"It is imperative that we do our utmost to avoid future incidents leading to violations of resolution 1701, and to prevent civilian casualties, rising tensions and danger of escalation along the Blue Line," he added.