In a statement following the conclusion of his three-day visit to Lebanon, Lacroix affirmed that the United Nations is committed to supporting peace and stability in Lebanon, stressing the importance of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Hot Topics
About half of Libyans drink contaminated water What is the scientific reason?
Mauritania's blue treasure is in danger Will the map of fish in the Atlantic be redrawn?
The Citrus Secret Everyone's Talking About: Burn More, Crave Less & Feel Great Naturally
Resolution 1701, adopted by the UN Security Council in August 2006, sets out the international framework for the cessation of hostilities then between Israel and Hezbollah, and includes security arrangements relating to the area between the Blue Line and the Litani River, and the role of the Lebanese army and international forces in southern Lebanon.
The statement continued: "During his meetings with senior Lebanese officials, Lacroix discussed the implementation of Resolution 1701, the work of UNIFIL, and the options available for the next phase after the mission's departure."
Lacroix continued: "The Lebanese authorities themselves were very clear in expressing their belief that a third party, namely the United Nations, was necessary to prevent an uncontrolled escalation and the worsening of incidents that spiraled out of control between the Israeli army and the Lebanese armed forces."
The statement added: “Under UN Security Council Resolution 1701, UNIFIL continues to support Lebanon and Israel in fulfilling their obligations by monitoring developments and reporting violations impartially, engaging with the parties to help prevent misunderstandings and reduce tensions, and facilitating humanitarian tasks.”
He noted that "the visit came at a time when UNIFIL is preparing to end its mandate by the end of 2026, and at a time when the Security Council is considering the options available for the post-UNIFIL phase."
In August 2025, the Security Council decided to end UNIFIL’s mandate on December 31, 2026, after which a gradual, safe and coordinated drawdown and withdrawal process would begin within a year.
The international official, who began a visit to Lebanon on Wednesday, met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Foreign Minister Youssef Raji, who on Friday affirmed his country’s commitment to the continued presence of an international force in the south of the country to replace the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) after its mission ends at the end of this year.
The end of UNIFIL's mandate is approaching, while Israel continues its aggression against Lebanon despite signing with Beirut on June 26 a "framework formula" stipulating a gradual Israeli withdrawal from the occupied territories in exchange for the deployment of the Lebanese army there and the disarmament of Hezbollah.
Since March 2, Israel has been waging an aggression against Lebanon, particularly its southern regions, which has left more than 4,000 dead, 12,000 wounded and more than one million displaced, according to Lebanese authorities.
Tags:
asiawest