UN Peacekeeping Chief reaffirms UNIFIL's role as he concludes visit
United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, concluded a visit to Lebanon today as part of a planned tour to the region.
Key highlights included his meetings with senior Lebanese officials, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Lebanon, UNIFIL leadership, and fellow peacekeepers. This was his last official meeting with outgoing Head of Mission and Force Commander Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lázaro.
He visited and saw firsthand some of Lebanese areas near the Blue Line that were hardest hit by the recent conflict. The UN peacekeeping chief, onboard a UNIFIL Maritime Task Force ship, also inspected the area of maritime operation off the coast of Naqoura.
Throughout his engagements, Mr. Lacroix reaffirmed the crucial role of UNIFIL in maintaining lasting stability in south Lebanon and the mission's critical support to the parties in the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701.
He acknowledged the delicate nature of the current relative calm along the Blue Line and stressed the importance of preserving and consolidating it, especially in light of concerning regional developments.
In meetings with Lebanese officials, Mr. Lacroix underscored UNIFIL's vital role – together with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) – in sustaining the cessation of hostilities understanding and advancing the implementation of resolution 1701.
"In all my engagements, I underscored the importance of continued political support for the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 as a prerequisite for peace and security in the region," said Mr. Lacroix. "I also reaffirmed the Mission's commitment to supporting local communities, helping the parties implement Resolution 1701, and working in close coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces as they continue their redeployment in southern Lebanon."
The peacekeeping chief also expressed appreciation for the work of UN peacekeepers operating under the increasingly complex and challenging conditions, and reaffirmed the UN's unwavering support for peace and security for all civilians affected by the conflict.
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