Lebanon reiterates adherence to UNIFIL presence in south

BEIRUT, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) — Lebanese Defense Minister Maurice Slim on Thursday reiterated Lebanon’s adherence to the presence of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in the country, the National News Agency reported.
During a meeting with Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN under-secretary-general for peace operations, Slim highlighted that “Lebanon is keen on the presence of international forces in the south to cooperate with the Lebanese army in implementing UN Resolution 1701.”
Slim expressed his appreciation for UNIFIL’s resilience in holding on to its positions despite the recent repeated attacks on its sites amid challenging circumstances.
The defense minister also spoke about the importance of maximum support from friendly countries to enhance the capabilities of the Lebanese army.
Lacroix, for his part, stressed that “commitment to Resolution 1701 is the solid foundation for any solution,” calling for “solidarity with Lebanon and its people” and a joint effort of the international community to achieve a ceasefire in the country.
He also discussed the army’s significant role in maintaining southern Lebanon’s security and stability, in close cooperation with UNIFIL in a manner that preserves national sovereignty.
Lacroix arrived in Lebanon on Tuesday for a three-day visit. The UN official on Wednesday headed to the UNIFIL area of operations, where he met peacekeepers injured in recent confrontations between Hezbollah and Israel, according to a UNIFIL statement.
During his tour of UNIFIL headquarters in southern Lebanon’s Naqoura city, Lacroix also met with senior mission leaders and civilian peacekeepers who continue to support the mission’s work in Naqoura, expressing his gratitude to them for their dedication, the statement said.
Since Sept. 23, the Israeli army has been waging intensive airstrikes on Lebanon in a dangerous escalation with Hezbollah. In early October, Israel further initiated a ground operation across its northern border into Lebanon.
In recent weeks, Israeli forces have repeatedly targeted UNIFIL positions in southern Lebanon, resulting in injuries to peacekeepers and drawing international criticism. ■