A week ahead of U.N. talks on extending UNIFIL’s mandate, and with some Security Council members questioning the usefulness of renewing the peacekeepers’ mission, President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to maintaining the multinational force in the south “for as long as necessary” to fully implement UN Resolution 1701.
During a meeting Tuesday with UNIFIL commander General Diodato Abagnara, Aoun said Lebanon has engaged Security Council members and friendly countries to secure the mandate renewal, “until the Lebanese Army’s complete deployment along the international border.”
He highlighted UNIFIL’s critical role in supporting security and stability as the government works to increase the Army’s presence in the south to 10,000 troops.
The president warned that imposing arbitrary limits on UNIFIL’s mandate could undermine stability in southern Lebanon, still reeling under Israel’s occupation of certain parts.
He also praised the ongoing cooperation between UNIFIL, the Lebanese Army, and local communities, emphasizing the peacekeepers’ contribution to health, social, and educational services for residents.
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