UN Explores Options for Continued Presence in Southern Lebanon After Mission Ends

After meeting with President Joseph Aoun, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix noted that "the meeting comes at an important moment, as the situation on the ground in the south remains complex, amid continuing military activities and their severe impact on the population. As for the future of the United Nations' presence, I believe discussions in the Security Council will now begin, and it is important, indeed essential, that Lebanon's voice be heard on this matter, as it is the state directly concerned by this topic."

He affirmed that "our goal is to support efforts aimed at restoring stability to Lebanon and the region, and to restore full Lebanese sovereignty. We believe that the United Nations is still capable of playing a role in this framework."

Lacroix added: "From this specific perspective, the UN Secretary-General had presented the Security Council with a number of options regarding the possibility of the United Nations' continued presence after the expiration of the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). These options were prepared based on what we heard from the Lebanese authorities."

He stated that "it is important, at this stage, to effectively follow the ongoing discussions in the Security Council and reach the best outcome for Lebanon and for the prospects of achieving stability."

Lacroix stressed that "this issue will be among the fundamental matters raised in the Security Council discussions. I reiterate that the options presented by the Secretary-General remain on the table."

He concluded: "We are aware of Lebanon's position, including the content of the message it sent to the United Nations, requesting a temporary extension of the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). It is natural that the positions of the Lebanese authorities should be heard and taken into account, as this concerns the Lebanese state, its security, and the restoration of its full sovereignty. Of course, we must also consider the necessity that this step ultimately contributes to enhancing security in the region."