BEURUT, JANUARY 14 – Chief Major General Stefano Del Col, UNIFIL Force Commander in Southern Lebanon, met today with met today with the Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Gebran Bassil in Beirut. Discussions focused on the concerns related to the latest developments along the Blue Line.
“I stressed the importance of continued engagement of the parties through UNIFIL’s good offices, in particular the tripartite forum, so that common solutions to these issues could be found”, said Del Col adding that both sides assured him that neither is seeking an escalation in tension, and that they remain determined to work with UNIFIL to ensure that the cessation of hostilities is maintained. “Preserving the overall calm and stability along the Blue Line remains the primary consideration in all our initiatives and efforts to resolve contentious issues”, said the Italian General.
Del Col encouraged both parties to respect their obligations towards UN Security Council resolution 1701, and to avoid violations of all forms, and to not only maintain the cessation of hostilities but to work towards a permanent ceasefire. (@OnuItalia)
