Tripartite Meeting held on 12 November 2014
The Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Major-General Luciano Portolano, today chaired a regular tripartite meeting with senior officers from the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) at the UN Position at Ras Al Naqoura crossing.
The meeting discussed issues relevant to the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1701, including the situation along the Line of Withdrawal (Blue Line), the ongoing visible marking of the Blue Line, violations and incidents as well as the issue of withdrawal of Israeli forces from northern Ghajar.
Major-General Portolano said: “It was a constructive meeting and I was encouraged that the parties reaffirmed their support and commitment to working with UNIFIL for the implementation of the relevant provisions of resolution 1701. The parties committed to maintaining calm in the area and preventing incidents and tension along the Blue Line.”
He added: “In light of the challenging regional developments, stability has prevailed in UNIFIL’s area of operations. I commend both parties for their commitment and effective use of UNIFIL’s liaison and coordination arrangements that have proven to be vital in de-escalating tensions.”