Bou Habib Meets UN Peacekeeping Chief, Emphasizes Lebanon’s Commitment to Resolution 1701.

Beirut: Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Dr. Abdullah Bou Habib, on Thursday hosted the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, accompanied by UNIFIL Commander, General Aroldo Lázaro, and the accompanying delegation. Discussions reportedly touched on the current situation in southern Lebanon and the mission of the UNIFIL forces. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Minister Bou Habib expressed gratitude to the United Nations and UNIFIL forces for their significant role in Lebanon. He emphasized the Lebanese government's steadfast commitment to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701 in all its provisions concurrently. Bou Habib reiterated support for full cooperation between the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL forces and declared Lebanon's readiness to enhance army deployment south of the Litani River following the ceasefire. Furthermore, the Foreign Minister reaffirmed Lebanon's opposition to Israel's actions against UN forces, including ta rgeting personnel and headquarters, and exerting pressure to withdraw, which contravenes the Security Council's mandate. In response, Jean-Pierre Lacroix expressed appreciation for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' ongoing support to UNIFIL. He emphasized the importance of ceasing hostilities and highlighted the UN and UNIFIL's commitment to facilitating a ceasefire, implementing Resolution 1701, and finding conflict resolution solutions. Lacroix also underscored efforts to bolster the deployment of the Lebanese Army south of the Litani River.