Lebanese PM Demands Urgent UNIFIL Mandate Extension

(MENAFN) Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized the urgent need to extend the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Wednesday, underscoring the mission’s critical contribution to maintaining peace, particularly in southern Lebanon.

He expressed optimism for a prompt renewal, revealing that the Lebanese government is preparing an official appeal to the United Nations for this purpose, as reported by media.

Salam made these statements during a meeting held at the Grand Serail, the prime minister’s official residence, with Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations. Lacroix was accompanied by UNIFIL’s Force Commander, Aroldo Lazaro Saenz.

Highlighting the delicate situation, Salam stressed the imperative to safeguard stability and reiterated Lebanon’s determination to avoid becoming entangled in the wider regional conflict.

He also noted that the Lebanese Army is intensifying its presence in the south, aiming to reinforce state sovereignty across its territory and to uphold UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

In response, Lacroix reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Lebanon’s request for the continued operation of UNIFIL. He mentioned ongoing consultations with relevant parties to finalize an agreement on the mandate extension.

Lacroix also met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on the same day. President Aoun restated Lebanon’s dedication to maintaining UNIFIL’s deployment in the south, emphasizing its crucial role in enforcing Resolution 1701.

"Preserving stability in southern Lebanon is vital not only for Lebanon but for the entire region," Aoun said, according to a statement from the presidency. "UNIFIL plays a central role in ensuring this stability, and cooperation between the Lebanese army and international forces is excellent."

In 2024, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2749, prolonging UNIFIL’s mission until August 31, 2025.

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