UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major-General Paolo Serra today called on the Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri in Beirut.

The Force Commander briefed the Speaker on the situation in UNIFIL’s area of operations in south Lebanon and discussed issues related to the implementation of UNIFIL's mandate under UN Security Council resolution 1701.

Following the meeting Major-General Serra said: "My meeting with the Speaker was very encouraging. Speaker Berri has always been highly appreciative of our Mission and his support and encouragement defines the essence of the strong relationship UNIFIL peacekeepers share with the people of south Lebanon. This is also the spirit that characterizes our partnership with the Lebanese Armed Forces over the last seven years. There cannot be a greater motivator for peacekeepers and I assured Speaker Berri that each and every one of us remains resolved to stand by the people of south Lebanon in these challenging times just as UNIFIL has done through the years and decades before.”

The Force Commander emphasized that UNIFIL remains focused on its mandated tasks under UN Security Council resolution 1701 adding that the parties continue to express their strong commitment to the cessation of hostilities and their willingness to work in close coordination with UNIFIL for the implementation of UNSCR 1701.