Beirut:President of the Republic Joseph Aoun has expressed Lebanon's support for extending the operational mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which is scheduled to withdraw next year. He conveyed this position to Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, Helen McEntee, emphasizing UNIFIL's crucial role in maintaining stability in southern Lebanon.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, President Aoun highlighted the importance of UNIFIL in monitoring regional developments and supporting the Lebanese Army's deployment to the international border, especially following an Israeli withdrawal. He also noted UNIFIL's contributions to providing humanitarian, social, and medical assistance to southern communities.
President Aoun stated that Lebanon would welcome the deployment of a European force, coordinated with the European Union or participating countries and the United Nations, if extending UNIFIL's mandate proves unfeasible. He warned that a lack of international presence could lead to a security vacuum, potentially destabilizing the region, and underscored the need for logistical and technical support from an international force to aid the Lebanese Army.
Aoun accused Israel of not adhering to agreements made during negotiations in Washington, citing ongoing attacks on southern villages, including shelling and the demolition of homes. He mentioned that Lebanese efforts to secure U.S. intervention have been unfruitful, with Israeli actions continuing to hinder the agreement's implementation and the extension of state authority to Lebanon's southern borders.
The President urged friendly nations, including Ireland, to press Israel to cease its attacks, withdraw from Lebanese territories, release prisoners, and facilitate reconstruction and the return of displaced residents. On domestic matters, Aoun reaffirmed the Lebanese government's commitment to economic and financial reforms in collaboration with Parliament, despite challenging circumstances.
During the meeting, President Aoun expressed gratitude for Ireland's continued assistance in various fields and its participation in UNIFIL since 1978. He paid tribute to Irish peacekeepers who lost their lives serving in southern Lebanon. Minister McEntee, accompanied by several Irish officials, reiterated Ireland's support for peacekeeping operations and its continued assistance to the Lebanese Army and civil society, despite regional challenges.
