Jean-Pierre Lacroix briefed journalists on his latest go to to the 2 international locations forward of Safety Council conferences on the extension of the mandates of the UN Interim Drive in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the UN Disengagement Observer Drive (UNDOF) within the Golan.
He mentioned UNIFIL “has been working very exhausting” within the wake of the cessation of hostilities.
Achievements in Lebanon
The settlement final November between Lebanon and Israel adopted greater than a yr of combating on Lebanese territory between Hezbollah militants and Israeli forces, linked to the warfare in Gaza.
“I consider that there are a variety of achievements which have been realized with the help of UNIFIL,” he mentioned.
Mr. Lacroix reported that the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have continued to strengthen their presence south of the Litani river, with UNIFIL’s help. The Mission has additionally labored to determine and neutralize weapon caches.
Moreover, UNIFIL additionally continues to play a crucial liaison and de-conflicting position between the LAF and the Israel Protection Forces (IDF), and helps the native inhabitants, together with by mine motion and clearing roads.
Whereas highlighting these achievements, he confused that extra must be executed to realize the complete implementation of Safety Council decision 1701 (2006), which defines UNIFIL’s mandate, noting that violations proceed.
Mr. Lacroix additionally interacted with the Lebanese authorities who “unequivocally” upheld the crucial want for the Mission’s steady presence.
His go to additionally coincided with final days in workplace of UNIFIL Drive Commander Main Common Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz, who he praised for heading the Mission “throughout extraordinarily, extraordinarily difficult occasions.”
He additionally welcomed incoming Drive Commander Diodato Abagnara and wished him all the very best going ahead.
Developments in Syria
In the meantime, UNDOF continues its “critically necessary” position liaising between the Syrian and Israeli authorities and dealing to resolve the battle.
He mentioned the presence of the IDF within the so-called space of separation is a violation as solely UNDOF can have a navy presence there, in accordance with the 1973 Designation of Forces Settlement.
Mr. Lacroix interacted with senior officers from the interim authorities in Syria who expressed help for UNDOF, including that communication between them has improved.
“On the identical time, I heard very clearly from the Syrian authorities that they’re able to assume the complete authority of the entire of Syrian territory, together with deploying the navy and safety presence to all of the Syrian territory,” he mentioned.
“That features the world the place UNDOF is, after all, in accordance with and in step with the provisions of the 1973 Settlement.”
He welcomed this “expression of readiness” whereas emphasizing that UNDOF’s aim is a return to the complete implementation of the accord.
