UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Michael Beary today chaired a regular tripartite meeting with senior officials from the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) at the UN position at Ras Al Naqoura.

Discussions focused on issues related to the implementation of UNIFIL’s mandate under UN Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and the operational paragraphs of Security Council resolution 2373 (2017); air and ground violations; the situation along the Blue Line; as well as the issue of withdrawal of Israeli forces from northern Ghajar

The UNIFIL Head of Mission highlighted the importance of the Tripartite forum as a conduit to finding solutions, preventing misunderstanding and minimising tensions: “I want to acknowledge the positive efforts by both parties in adopting a noticeably responsible and sensitive posture in the vicinity of the IDF construction works” and he added: ”UNIFIL’s position is that any activity close to the Blue Line should be predictable, with sufficient prior notification to allow for coordination by the parties, so as to avoid misunderstandings and prevent incidents.” 

During the meeting, the UNIFIL Force Commander was pleased to note the continuous commitment expressed by the parties to UN Security Council resolution 1701 and maintaining stability along the Blue Line: ”What brings us together is considerably more important than the issues that divide you. In every situation, through our determination and pragmatism, we are all motivated to keep the process on track and move further towards the end goal which remains a political process that would bring about a permanent ceasefire, political accord and enduring peace to the peoples of both your countries.