UNIFIL Force Commander Meets Lebanese Leaders
UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major-General Paolo Serra today called on the President of Lebanon Michel Sleiman, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Tammam Salam in Beirut.
Discussions focused on the situation in UNIFIL’s area of operations and issues related to the implementation of UNIFIL’s mandate under UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Following the meetings, Major-General Serra said: “I had very constructive discussions with the leaders today. Their strong support for UNIFIL and commitment to the implementation of resolution 1701 was most encouraging.”
“I informed them that the situation along the Blue Line and in the UNIFIL area of operations remains relatively stable, and that the parties have reiterated their commitment to resolution 1701 and to upholding the cessation of hostilities. The leaders were highly appreciative of the important work that UNIFIL is doing in close collaboration with the Lebanese Armed Forces, more so in the context of the immense security challenges facing the wider region.”
“I conveyed my particular appreciation for the Lebanese Armed Forces in the way it has stood up to the immense security responsibilities and yet not lost focus on delivering its part as UNIFIL’s strategic partner in the implementation of our mandate under resolution 1701.”
“I thanked the leaders for their support to our mission and assured them of our continued best efforts to preserve the calm along the Blue Line and to work towards peace and stability in South Lebanon.”