United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today visited the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) where he was received by UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major-General Luciano Portolano.

Speaking during his visit to the headquarters of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), on the first day of his two-day tour of the country, the Secretary-General noted that south Lebanon has seen one of the quietest periods in nearly four decades since the adoption of the UN Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).

“Prevalence of a stable security environment in south Lebanon, continued commitment of the parties to the cessation of hostilities, increasing ability of the Lebanese Armed Forces to ensure security of the country – these are the key elements for the successful implementation of the [UNIFIL] mandate,” said Mr. Ban.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called for making an effective and meaningful use of the world body’s peacekeeping mission in Lebanon in preventing hostilities and de-escalate tension in the southern part of the country.

He particularly stressed upon the need to make the continued use of the tripartite forum – comprising Lebanon, Israel and UNIFIL – to resolve any differences between the parties and towards the full implementation of the resolution 1701.

He underlined the need for a strong cooperation between the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL in south Lebanon, including through the Strategic Dialogue process, and efforts that are underway to ensure the implementation of the resolution 1701.

“The Strategic Dialogue remains crucial if the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) are to take on greater responsibilities in UNIFIL’s area of operations,” he said, calling for an increased international assistance in support of LAF in order for them to fulfill their vital responsibilities throughout the country, as recently emphasized by the Security Council.

UNIFIL Head of Mission Major-General Luciano Portolano, said, “In the face of multiple challenges facing south Lebanon, UNIFIL has been providing a strong deterrent to the resumption of hostilities.”

Earlier in the day, Secretary-General Ban received a guard of honour from the uniformed members of UNIFIL. Later in the day, he flew back to the capital, Beirut, for his onward engagements.

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Video Editor: Suzane Badereddine
Video Camera: Aoibheann O’Sullivan, Mohamad Hamze, Suzane Badereddine
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