Security Council Extends Mandate of UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon

Arab World

August 31st, 4:50am

Asharq Al-Awsat

UN peacekeepers (UNIFIL) vehicles drive in Naqoura, near the Lebanese-Israeli border, southern Lebanon, May 4, 2021. REUTERS/Aziz Taher

The Security Council has extended the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) until August 2022, reiterating its call for Israel and Lebanon to support a permanent ceasefire and a long-term solution based on the principles and elements set out in resolution 1701. The Council condemned all violations of the Blue Line, both by air and ground, strongly calling on all parties to respect the cessation of hostilities, prevent any violation of the Blue Line and respect it in its entirety, and to cooperate fully with the UN and UNIFIL. The Council also urged Israel to expedite the withdrawal of its army from northern Ghajar without further delay in coordination with UNIFIL. It strongly reaffirmed the need for effective deployment of the Lebanese army in the country’s south and in its territorial waters at an accelerated pace. The Council also urged all parties to ensure that UNIFIL’s access to the Blue Line is fully respected and unimpeded in all its operations, condemning in the strongest terms all attempts to restrict its free movement.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/3162041/security-council-extends-mandate-un-peacekeepers-lebanon