The Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Major-General Paolo Serra, 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 participants discussed the implementation of relevant provisions of UN Security Council resolution 1701 under UNIFIL's mandate, including the situation along the Blue Line, air and ground violations, the ongoing visible marking of the Blue Line and the issue of withdrawal of Israeli forces from northern Ghajar.

Following the meeting, which took place in a frank and open atmosphere, the HoM/FC expressed appreciation for the positive response from both the parties to UNIFIL's efforts to preserve calm along the Blue Line: "I am very pleased with today's constructive discussions and I was encouraged by the parties' commitment to the integrity of the Blue Line and protecting the cessation of hostilities."

He added: "In light of the challenging circumstances imposed by regional developments, I commend both parties for their commitment and effective use of UNIFIL's liaison and coordination arrangements that have proven to be vital in preventing tension and incidents, and an essential mechanism to de-conflict the situation at critical moments."