NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 29 – Today the Security Council received briefings on Resolution 1701, the cornerstone of UNIFIL’s peacekeepers mandate in Southern Lebanon.
Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Joanna Wronecka, the Special Coordinator for Lebanon, and General Stefano del Col, the Force Commander for UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon), briefed Council members behind closed doors on the Secretary-General’s 1701 report which has now been published.
Stability along the Blue Line
Del Col, who is preparing to leave his three years position at UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura, briefed on the “blue helmets” activities to preserve stability along the Blue Line, prevent violations of resolution 1701 and support the Lebanese Army in exercising its authority in South Lebanon.
Wronecka recognized the formation of a government as “a positive development” while regretting that “it had not resulted in progress in the implementation of a reform agenda in Lebanon” since her last briefing to the Security Council in July 2021.
Noting the deteriorating socio-economic conditions in Lebanon and their acute impact on people’s daily lives, Wronecka said she hoped the Lebanese Cabinet would resume its meetings that have been suspended since October 12 and take urgent measures in the interest of the country and the people.
Wronecka calls for fair, transparent elections
“Commitments must translate into actions if Lebanon’s leadership intends to overcome the country’s deep crisis, recover Lebanon’s political and institutional stability and address the needs and rights of the Lebanese people,” the Special Coordinator said. In this regard, she stressed that “fair and transparent elections within constitutional timelines are the linchpin of democracy, an integral part of reform and place Lebanon on a path of recovery,” and reiterated international readiness to support the electoral process.
Members of the Security Council welcomed “UNIFIL’s efforts to maintain peace and security in south Lebanon and its close coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces.” They also emphasized “the importance of all parties honoring their commitments to fully implement resolution 1701 and respect the cessation of hostilities.” (@OnuItalia)
