(UNIFIL press statement on Tripartite Meeting, 13 July 2011)

The Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas, today chaired a regular 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 related to UNIFIL's mandate were discussed, including the situation along the Line of Withdrawal (Blue Line), violations and incidents as well as the issue of withdrawal of Israeli forces from northern Ghajar.

Both parties expressed their full support and commitment to work together with UNIFIL for the implementation of the relevant provisions of Security Council resolution 1701.

Following the meeting, Major-General Asarta said: "The situation in the area of operations is generally quiet and stable, with parties maintaining their commitment to the cessation of hostilities."

The Force Commander stressed that the parties should utilize the tripartite forum to discuss the relevant issues.

The UN Secretary-General has also emphasised the importance of the tripartite: "The Tripartite forum continues to be an indispensable element in the regular liaison and coordination between UNIFIL and the parties, and remained a key mechanism to address security and military operational issues related to the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006)".