UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major-General Michael Beary today called on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Samir Moqbel in Beirut.
 
Discussions focused on the situation in UNIFIL’s area of operations, issues related to the implementation of UNIFIL’s mandate under UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006) and on the latest Tripartite meeting held in Ras Naqoura on 25 August.
 
“In my first meeting with the Minister after I assumed command of UNIFIL in July, I wanted to personally thank him for the support we receive from the Lebanese authorities and the critical contribution of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in our efforts to maintain calm and stability in the south of Lebanon notwithstanding the immense security responsibilities elsewhere in the country,” Major-General Beary said following the meeting.
 
“We must continue to build on our strategic partnership with the LAF in southern Lebanon including through the Strategic Dialogue mechanism,” he added. “It is essential that LAF and the security forces receive further international assistance to acquire the capabilities they critically need to tackle the multiple challenges facing them.”
 
Also today, Major-General Beary met with the General Director of the Internal Security Forces Major-General Ibrahim Basbous and with Lebanese Government Coordinator to UNIFIL Brigadier-General Mohammed Janbay.