The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) today welcomed the UN Security Council’s unanimous adoption of resolution 2433 (2018) that extends the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force for another year under UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006).

“The extension of UNIFIL’s mandate, at the request of the Government of Lebanon, reaffirms the importance of maintaining the cessation of hostilities along the Blue Line and the prevailing calm in the UNIFIL area of operation in south Lebanon,” said UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander, Major General Stefano Del Col.  “This demonstrates the continuing commitment of the international community to maintaining peace and stability in south Lebanon while encouraging the parties to work towards a permanent ceasefire.”

Major-General Del Col added: “It is encouraging to see that the Security Council welcomed the crucial role played by the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and security forces, as the only legitimate armed forces in Lebanon, in extending and sustaining the authority of the Government and commended the role of UNIFIL, whose deployment together with the LAF has helped to establish a new strategic environment in southern Lebanon.”

The Security Council also noted the constructive role played by UNIFIL’s tripartite and liaison mechanisms in de-escalating tensions, especially along the Blue Line, and to build trust between the parties.

“This is at the core of our efforts to further stabilize the situation along the Blue Line,” Force Commander Del Col said.

Click here for the full text (in English) of the UN Security Council meeting and the resolution 2433 (2018)