BEIRUT, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Monday expressed readiness to "support and facilitate the implementation of any political roadmap" agreed between Lebanon and Israel to ensure lasting peace and stability.
In an interview with Xinhua, UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti highlighted that while the UN cannot force a solution to the Hezbollah-Israel conflict, Resolution 1701 is still the most viable framework readily available.
"This has been the UN-wide approach, both in Lebanon and the headquarters in New York," he said.
"The UNIFIL and the international community could only support when Lebanon and Israel are committed to this," the spokesperson said, calling on both sides to fully implement the resolution from their respective territories.
Resolution 1701 ended the last round of conflict between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006 and stipulated that southern Lebanon must be free of arms that do not belong to the Lebanese state, which, however, has been violated almost on a daily basis since last October.
"Despite occasional hiccups in the implementation of Resolution 1701 before the start of the exchanges of fire last year, peace was largely holding along the Blue Line. People in southern Lebanon and northern Israel could go about their daily business. Dividends of peace were visible and remarkable," he said. "There is no alternative to pursuing political and diplomatic avenues."
Despite the mounting challenges, Tenenti assured that UNIFIL continues to assume its responsibilities and remains in constant contact with authorities in both Lebanon and Israel.
"Through all our channels, the UNIFIL continues to implore the parties to ceasefire, de-escalate tensions, and return to the cessation of hostilities. In the meantime, as mandated by the Security Council, the mission continues to monitor and report on violations," he said.
Tenenti noted that UNIFIL peacekeepers have been working under highly delicate and dangerous security conditions on the ground since late September, when the Israeli army intensified its air attack on Lebanon, which led to the suspension of their patrols and severely limited their ability to move between Beirut and the southern regions.
Despite these challenges, the UNIFIL personnel have remained in position, continuing their duties even after direct attacks on peacekeepers, Tenenti added.
Tenenti also expressed gratitude for the support from the Security Council and the international community.
"The mission's nearly 50 troop-contributing countries have been standing by it as it implements its mandate. The outpouring of support resonates beyond the UN, and that's truly commendable," he said.
"To see such robust support continuing is extremely important to carry on with our work under immense challenges," he added. ■
