President Aoun and UK defence advisor discuss UNIFIL renewal
President of the Republic Joseph Aoun told the UK Defence Senior Advisor to the Middle East and North Africa (DSAME) Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren, that "Lebanon considers the extension of the mandate of UNIFIL force operating in south Lebanon, a key factor in maintaining stability and security on the southern Lebanese border. Therefore, Lebanon places great hopes on the support of UN Security Council member states, including Britain, to ensure that the extension is passed on time without any obstacles.'
President Aoun on Wednesday met at Baabda Palace, with the UK Defence Senior Advisor to the Middle East and North Africa (DSAME) Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren, in the presence of British Ambassador to Lebanon, Hamish Cowell.
President Aoun stressed that "UNIFIL's presence in the south of the Litani River greatly assists in implementing UN Resolution 1701, especially since cooperation between the Lebanese Army and the international force is based on continuous coordination in accordance with the provisions of relevant international resolutions."
Aoun pointed out that "Israel's continued occupation of the five hills and their surroundings continues to hinder the Lebanese army's full deployment to the southern border,' noting 'wherever the Lebanese army has deployed south of the Litani River, the Lebanese state's decision on the eclusivity of arms, has been implemented, and all armed manifestations have been removed."
President Aoun and the UK official held a tour d'horizon on current regional developments and the post-ceasefire period between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Israel, as well as the situation in southern Lebanon and on the Lebanese-Syrian border.
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