UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Michael Beary today met separately with the Speaker of Parliament, Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Saad Hariri in Beirut. 
 
In both meetings, the UNIFIL head thanked the Lebanese leaders for their continued support to UNIFIL in the fulfilment of its mandate in accordance with the UN Security Council resolution 1701 (2006), while noting that Lebanon’s continued commitment to the UN resolution is critical. 
 
Major General Beary also briefed the leaders on the situation in the UNIFIL area of operations (AO) and along the Blue Line, further stating that the situation remains calm and stable. He said that UNIFIL has, over the past months, increased its outreach to the local population as well as intensified engagement with local leaders and communities in the Mission’s ongoing efforts to preserve the calm environment and stability.
 
While briefing on UNIFIL’s liaison and coordination mechanism, Major General Beary emphasized that the UNIFIL-led Tripartite forum is critical to de-escalating tensions and preserving stability along the Blue Line. 
 
“It would be in the interest of everyone for both the parties to continue working with UNIFIL to address developing issues and prevent any escalation along the Blue Line,” said Major General Beary during his meeting with Speaker Berri. 
 
He commended the Lebanese leaders for their important role in preserving the peace and stability in south Lebanon.
 
Speaking on the Strategic Dialogue process in both meetings, the UNIFIL Head of Mission reiterated UNIFIL’s intention to work with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in advancing the process. 
 
During the meetings, Major General Beary also briefed the Lebanese leaders on the recent Strategic Review of UNFIL, which was conducted – at the request of the UN Security Council – to ensure that the UN Mission is adequately structured and resourced to carry out its mandate. 
 
Earlier today, the UNIFIL Force Commander also met with the Director General of the Internal Security Forces (ISF), Major General Imad Osman, in Beirut. It was their first meeting since Major General Osman’s promotion to the post last month. During the meeting, Major General Beary praised the important work of ISF and ensured continuous cooperation in UNIFIL's area of operation.