with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Saad Hariri, 16 August 2010

UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Albero Asarta Cuevas met today in separate meetings in Beirut with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Saad Hariri.

Discussions focused on the security situation in south Lebanon, UNIFIL's investigation into the incident in El Adeisse of 03 August and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, including the issue of Ghajar.

After the meetings, Major-General Asarta said: "We had very good meetings. I briefed the leaders on the current situation in our Area of Operation and on UNIFIL's ongoing investigation into the incident near the village of El Adeisse. I stressed the importance of maintaining the existing close coordination between UNIFIL and LAF."

Concerning the incident near El Adeisse, Major-General Asarta said: "This tragic incident must remain isolated. I have received assurances from all the parties that they want to defuse the tension and continue working closely with UNIFIL to restore and maintain calm in the area. No one is interested in an escalation.

All parties must strive to maintain the cessation of hostilities".