United Nations Special Coordinator: Lebanon can no longer delay engaging in dialogue or confine weapons to the state

This came in her briefing to the UN Security Council during a closed session today, Thursday, in which Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert confirmed that notable progress had been made in implementing some of the provisions of the cessation of hostilities understanding that was reached nearly a year ago, while “Other items are still pending.”

While Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert praised the progress made by the Lebanese Armed Forces in addressing the issue of weapons outside the authority of the state, especially south of the Litani River, she stressed the urgent need to adopt a comprehensive governmental approach regarding the extension of state authority. She stressed in her briefing that the time factor has become crucial.

She said: “The army alone cannot implement Resolution 1701“.

Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert stressed that making progress on the reform file in Lebanon is no less important, especially to pave the way for mobilizing the necessary funding for recovery and reconstruction efforts. She said: “Lebanon must seize this opportunity and not again fall victim to the internal political maneuverings that have shackled the country for a long period.”

The Special Coordinator explained that changing the regional landscape makes it possible “Unique opportunities for both countries”adding that “Just as Lebanon must seize this opportunity, Israel must also seize it.”

While noting that the presence of the Israeli army inside Lebanese territory and the repeated Israeli military activity throughout the country still constitutes a violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, she reiterated that the status quo “It does not serve the strategic interests of Israel or Lebanon, but rather portends more instability in the future – if not now, then later.”