A delegation of the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee, led by MP Fadi Alameh, held talks with UNIFIL’s General Commander, Aroldo Lázaro on Thursday on the role and tasks of the UN Interim Forces in charge of monitoring violations along the Lebanese-Israeli border.
As the meeting at UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura was underway, sirens sounded in the premise following nearby explosions.
The delegation, including MPs Pierre Bou Assi, Ibrahim Moussawi, Nasser Jaber, and Haidar Nasser, discussed with Lázaro and senior UNIFIL officials the implementation of the peacekeepers’ tasks under the current difficult conditions, ahead of the forces’ annual mandate renewal at the end of August.
Speaking after the meeting, Alameh affirmed that “Lebanon does not want war; it wants the implementation of international resolutions. Our visit today comes in parallel with ongoing Israeli aggressions on Lebanon and ahead of the upcoming renewal of UNIFIL’s mandate… Today, more than ever, we affirm the need for your role.”
UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel emphasized the importance of the visit as it underscores UNIFIL’s collaboration with the Lebanese government. She noted the recent request by Lebanon to the Security Council for a renewal of UNIFIL’s mandate, highlighting the stabilizing and security role of the peacekeeping forces.
Ardiel stated that both Lebanese and Israeli authorities view Resolution 1701 as the appropriate framework for a permanent solution.
“The situation in southern Lebanon has been tense since October 8, with periods of severe tensions and violent exchanges. UNIFIL continues to work through coordination mechanisms, urging a return to a ceasefire and encouraging disarmament to advance towards a long-term political and diplomatic solution for stability in southern Lebanon,” she added.
