Tenenti told the Lebanese newspaper Al-Jumhuriya, “The situation of the United Nations interim forces in Lebanon over recent days raises concern, especially after the Israeli forces attacked their positions several times in the past three days,” stressing that the mission, despite being subjected to the attack, decided to remain. Because it is here at the request of the Security Council, and it responds to the request of the Security Council and not to the request of any of the member states.
He pointed out that “it is important for the United Nations to be in these locations so that the United Nations flag flies in the sky of southern Lebanon.” So we decided to stay, but the situation is very difficult,” he said, adding that “the attack is not only a violation of Law 1701, but it is also a violation of international humanitarian law, as the parties must respect the peacekeeping forces and protect their security and safety.”
Regarding the work of the current international forces, Tenenti stressed that “UN special operations in the south are continuing, but the movements of the forces have become limited because it is difficult to leave the headquarters,” adding: “We continue to monitor and submit our reports to the Security Council, and we are trying as much as possible to support the people in the south.” Those who were stuck in the villages for a long time, but even these endeavors are still difficult, because security is not stable for our forces and our humanitarian envoys.”
He renewed the call to return to Resolution 1701, “which seems more legitimate than ever, but it needs to be implemented,” indicating that “all the provisions stipulated in Resolution 1701 are very legitimate and we need to implement them, but in order to implement them, the matter needs the parties’ commitment to them by re-extending Stability in the south, as well as the return of the Lebanese army to the areas there, as well as stopping air and ground violations, and disarming the Lebanese side between the Litani River and the Blue Line. The solution lies in the full implementation of Resolution 1701.”
Source: “Al-Jumhuriya”
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