Jean-Pierre Lacroix informed journalists of his recent visit to the two countries before Security advice Meetings on the extension of the mandates of the provisional force of the United Nations in Lebanon (Unifil) and the strength of the United Nations Observer of disengagement (Take off) in the Golan.
He said that Unifil “worked very hard” following the cessation of hostilities.
Achievements in Lebanon
The agreement last November between Lebanon and Israel followed more than a year of fighting the Lebanese territory between Hezbollah activists and the Israeli forces, linked to the war in Gaza.
“I believe there are a number of achievements that have been made with the support of Unifil,” he said.
Mr. Lacroix reported that the Lebanese Armed Forces (Laf) continued to strengthen their presence in the south of the Litani river, with the support of Unifil. The mission also worked to identify and neutralize weapons caches.
In addition, UNIFIL also continues to play a role of critical connection and disinfusion between the LAF and the Israeli defense forces (IDF), and supports the local population, including by the action of mines and the compensation roads.
While highlighting these achievements, he stressed that more must be done to carry out the complete implementation of the Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006), which defines Unifil’s mandate, noting that violations continue.
Mr. Lacroix also interacted with the Lebanese authorities who have “unequivocally” the critical need for the continuous presence of the mission.
His visit also coincided with the last days in the commander of Unifil Force commander, General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz, whom he praised for managing the mission “for extremely difficult moments”.
He also welcomed the commander of the incoming force Diodato Abagnara and wished him all the best in the future.
Developments in Syria
Meanwhile, Undod continues its role “of extremely important importance” in connection with the Syrian and Israeli authorities and striving to resolve the conflict.
He said that the presence of TSAhal in the so-called separation zone is a violation because the only time can be a military presence, according to the designation agreement of the forces of 1973.
Mr. Lacroix interacted with senior officials from the provisional authorities in Syria who expressed their support for UNDOD, adding that communication between them has improved.
“At the same time, I have heard the Syrian authorities very clearly that they are ready to assume the full authority of the entire Syrian territory, in particular in deployment of the military and security at all of Syrian territory,” he said.
“This includes the area where Undod is, of course, according to and in accordance with the provisions of the 1973 agreement.”
He praised this “expression of preparation” while stressing that the objective of the UNFOD is a return to the complete implementation of the agreement.
Publicado anteriormente en Almouwatin.
