(UNIFIL Press Statement on Tripartite Meeting, 31 October 2011)

The Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas, today chaired 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.

During the meeting issues relating to implementation of the relevant provisions of UN Security Council resolution 1701 were discussed, including the situation along the Line of Withdrawal (Blue Line), violations and incidents, visible marking of the Blue Line and the issue of withdrawal of Israeli forces from northern Ghajar.

Following the meeting Major-General Asarta said: "I am very pleased with today's deliberations that were held in a constructive atmosphere. I impressed on the parties to continue their positive engagement so that we can together build on the calm that has prevailed in our area of operations in the past several weeks."

Both the parties said that they are determined to work with UNIFIL to maintain the cessation of hostilities and reaffirmed their continued commitment to the implementation of resolution 1701.