President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to the continued presence of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in the south, during a meeting with UN Assistant Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix on Wednesday.
During the meeting, Aoun underscored Lebanon’s dedication to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701 in full coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). He emphasized that preserving stability along the southern border remains “vital” not only for Lebanon, but for the entire region.
Additionally, the President highlighted the “essential” role UNIFIL plays in maintaining calm and preventing escalation, especially amid ongoing regional tensions. He also expressed concern over the sustainability of UNIFIL’s operations, urging donor countries to ensure sufficient funding to prevent any disruption to the mission’s effectiveness.
Aoun concluded by stating that Lebanon will “make contacts with brotherly and friendly countries” to support efforts aimed at securing the necessary resources for the peacekeeping force.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix is on a week-long visit to Beirut ahead of the upcoming renewal of UNIFIL’s mandate in the south, scheduled for the end of August. During his visit, Lacroix is set to meet with Lebanese officials, including Speaker Nabih Berri whom he met on Wednesday morning.
Additionally, President Aoun awarded UNIFIL Commander General Aroldo Lazaro the National Order of the Cedar, Commander rank, in recognition of his efforts during his leadership of the peacekeeping mission in the south.
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