Accra:Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Minister Youssef Raggi met with UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix to discuss the future of international presence in South Lebanon, particularly following the expiration of UNIFIL's current mandate. The meeting, which included UNIFIL Force Commander Major General Diodato Abagnara and a delegation, focused on recent developments and the transition to a new international force.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, Raggi praised the efforts and sacrifices made by UN peacekeepers in maintaining security and stability in the region. He reiterated Lebanon's stance on ensuring that an international force remains to replace UNIFIL after its mission concludes at the end of the year.
Lacroix emphasized the urgency of preparing for the forthcoming phase and indicated that the UN Security Council would soon start negotiations on this issue. He assured Lebanon of the United Nations' commitment to facilitating a smooth transition while respecting the country's position.
Both parties concurred on the necessity to intensify efforts to address remaining challenges and to guarantee the continued presence of an international force under the UN banner in South Lebanon.
