The Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Major-General Paolo Serra, today chaired a regular tripartite meeting with senior officials from the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) at the UN Position at Ras Al Naqoura crossing.

The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Mr. Derek Plumbly also attended and addressed the meeting.

During the meeting, issues relevant to the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1701 were discussed, including the situation along the Blue Line, the ongoing visible marking of the Blue Line, violations and incidents as well as the issue of withdrawal of Israeli forces from northern Ghajar.

Following the meeting Major-General Serra said: "It was a constructive meeting. Both parties expressed their full support and commitment to work together with UNIFIL for the implementation of the relevant provisions of resolution 1701 and to maintain calm in the area. I was pleased to see the positive engagement of both the parties on all the issues on the agenda."

The Force Commander also added: "The situation in the area of operations has remained generally quiet and stable, with parties maintaining their commitment to the cessation of hostilities."