BEIRUT, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Wednesday called for the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), highlighting its essential role in supporting stability in Lebanon, particularly in the south.
He expressed hope that the extension would take place as soon as possible, noting that the Lebanese government is preparing to submit an official request to the United Nations in this regard, according to the National News Agency.
Salam made the remarks during a meeting at the Grand Serail, the headquarters of the prime minister, with the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, who was accompanied by UNIFIL Force Commander Aroldo Lazaro Saenz.
Salam underscored the importance of preserving stability amid the current circumstances and reiterated the necessity of preventing Lebanon from being drawn into the ongoing regional conflict.
He also pointed out that the Lebanese Army continues to expand its deployment in the south as part of the state's efforts to assert full sovereignty over its territory and to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
For his part, Lacroix affirmed the UN's support for Lebanon's call to maintain UNIFIL's operations, adding that consultations are ongoing with the concerned parties to reach an agreement on the mandate's renewal.
Lacroix also met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Wednesday. Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to maintaining the presence of the UNIFIL in the south, stressing the importance of its role in implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
"Preserving stability in southern Lebanon is vital not only for Lebanon but for the entire region," Aoun said, according to a statement released by Lebanon's 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, extending UNIFIL's mandate until Aug. 31, 2025. ■
