Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed Lebanon’s deep gratitude to the United Nations Security Council following its unanimous decision to extend the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate for another year.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Mikati emphasized that the renewal of UNIFIL’s mandate is essential for maintaining stability in southern Lebanon. He affirmed Lebanon’s commitment to “work closely with UNIFIL to address the challenges and threats to stability in the south.” He reiterated the country’s dedication to implementing relevant international resolutions, particularly Resolution 1701.
The PM also highlighted the pivotal role of France, the penholder, in securing consensus on the matter, and acknowledged the United States for its understanding of Lebanon’s unique circumstances, emphasizing that “the United States of America has spared no effort to preserve UNIFIL’s mandate, especially at this critical juncture.”
