Naqoura:Lebanon UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix concluded a three-day visit to Lebanon, emphasizing the United Nations' commitment to peace and stability in the region as the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) prepares for its planned withdrawal at the end of its mandate on December 31, 2026.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, Lacroix reaffirmed the importance of Security Council resolution 1701 during meetings with senior Lebanese officials, including President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Defence Minister Michel Menassa, Foreign Affairs Minister Youssef Rajji, and Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Rodolphe Haykal. Discussions focused on the implementation of the resolution, UNIFIL's work, and future options following the mission's departure.
Lacroix also met with members of the diplomatic community, representatives from UNIFIL's troop-contributing countries, and the UN Country Team, expressing gratitude for their crucial support in promoting peace and stability. At UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura, he thanked the mission's leadership and peacekeepers for their dedication in a challenging environment.
He highlighted concerns over potential escalation between the Israel Defense Forces and the Lebanese Armed Forces after UNIFIL's departure, underscoring the necessity of the UN's presence in maintaining calm along the Blue Line and supporting communities in southern Lebanon. UNIFIL continues to facilitate humanitarian missions and monitor developments under Security Council resolution 1701.
