Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji affirmed on Friday his country's commitment to maintaining an international presence in the south to replace the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) after the end of its mandate at the end of this year.
This came during a meeting between Raji and the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, attended by UNIFIL Commander Dioudato Abaniara and his accompanying delegation, according to a statement from the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
International consultations on the future
Raji appreciated the sacrifices made by peacekeepers to maintain security and stability in southern Lebanon, noting that the meeting addressed the situation in the region and the future of the international presence there.
For his part, Lacroix emphasized the importance of preparing for the next phase, noting that the UN Security Council will soon begin negotiations on the future of the UN presence in Lebanon.
He stressed the UN's commitment to playing a constructive role in the coming phase, with full respect for Lebanon's position, according to the statement.
Visit of unspecified duration
Both sides agreed on the need to intensify efforts to overcome obstacles and ensure the continuation of an international presence in southern Lebanon under the UN banner.
On Wednesday, Lacroix began an official visit to Lebanon of unspecified duration, during which he will meet Lebanese officials to discuss the future of UNIFIL and the possibility of extending its mandate.
Parallel European efforts
These developments come amid the European Union Council's adoption of a decision to establish a new support mission in Lebanon for an initial period of three years, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the army and internal security forces.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, during her visit to Lebanon on October 7 and 8, emphasized the necessity of avoiding a security vacuum in the south after the expiration of UNIFIL's mandate.
UNIFIL operates in southern Lebanon under resolutions issued by the UN Security Council, carrying out tasks that include monitoring the ceasefire and supporting the deployment of the Lebanese Army in its area of operations.
Source: Anadolu Agency
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