Media Statement attributable to UNIFIL Spokesperson Andrea Tenenti, 04 September 2012

4 Sep 2012

Media Statement attributable to UNIFIL Spokesperson Andrea Tenenti, 04 September 2012

"We have seen reports in the media suggesting that UNIFIL should be deployed along the Lebanese border with Syria. UNIFIL's deployment and functions have been mandated by the UN Security Council with the specific consent of the Government of Lebanon.

Our area of operations on the ground is clearly defined in resolution 1701 and accordingly we remain focused on our operations between the Litani River and the Blue Line in coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces. The core of our mandate relates to the cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel.

At the request of the Government of Lebanon, the Security Council has recently extended UNIFIL's mandate for another year until 31 August 2013 without any changes or amendments.

Resolution 1701 calls upon the Government of Lebanon to secure its borders and other entry points to prevent the entry in Lebanon without its consent of arms or related materiel. For this specific purpose, resolution 1701 authorises UNIFIL to assist the Government of Lebanon, if the government were to so request.

It is the sole prerogative of the Lebanese Government to make any such request. However, we are not aware of any official request made in this regard to the United Nations."