Beirut: House Speaker Nabih Berri held a meeting in Ain el-Tineh with Jean-Pierre Lacroix, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, accompanied by UNIFIL Force Commander Major General Aroldo L¡zaro and Speaker Berri's Advisor Ali Hamdan. The discussions centered on the latest developments in Lebanon, the tasks of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and the extension of its mandate.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, House Speaker Berri expressed gratitude to Major General L¡zaro for his efforts during his tenure as UNIFIL Commander in implementing UN Resolution 1701 and fostering cooperation between UNIFIL peacekeepers and the people of southern Lebanon. Berri highlighted Lebanon's commitment to international legitimacy through the continued presence of UNIFIL and emphasized the importance of its role in Lebanon's future security and regional stability. He also noted the force's involvement in overseeing the framework agreement related to maritime borders and the recent ceasefire agreement, pointing out Israel's continuous violations and occupation of parts of southern Lebanon.
Berri conveyed to Lacroix Lebanon's strong support for the extension of UNIFIL's mandate by the international community and the U.N. Security Council. In separate meetings, Speaker Berri discussed political developments and legislative affairs with MP Faisal Karami and reviewed security-related developments with National Defense Minister Michel Menassa.