The United Nations calls for adherence to the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, and the implementation of Resolution 1701

Special Coordinator Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and UNIFIL Force Commander General Aroldo Lazaro said – in a joint statement – that the parties’ compliance with their obligations under the understanding and implementation Security Council Resolution No. 1701 Completely, they are the only way to close the last dark chapter of the conflict and open a new chapter that heralds security, stability and prosperity on both sides of the Blue Line.

The two UN officials confirmed that the United Nations continues to communicate with all parties in order to achieve this goal, and that it remains ready to support any measure that is consistent with Resolution 1701 and the efforts of the committee supervising the implementation of the agreement to achieve the goals of the November understanding.

They stated in their statement that Lebanon has witnessed major changes since the cessation of hostilities understanding entered into force in the first hours of the November agreement, and they indicated that levels of violence have decreased significantly. In many areas in southern Lebanon, hundreds of thousands of Lebanese were able to return to their towns and villages.

They said that the Lebanese Armed Forces showed their determination to deploy in the areas from which the Israeli army withdrew. With support from UNIFIL, the Lebanese Armed Forces are helping to restore services and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to communities most affected by the conflict.

They said that the ongoing process of forming the government after electing a President of the Republic and appointing a Prime Minister constitutes an essential step in building confidence between Lebanese citizens and the state. They added: “These developments bode well for supporting the full extension of state authority over all Lebanese lands and for the country’s recovery, reconstruction and growth.”

Because so much is at stake for Lebanon and Israel, both officials stressed the urgent need for renewed commitment by all parties.