2024-08-29 03:39:27
Ali Barada wrote in “Asharq Al-Awsat”:
On Wednesday, the 15 members of the Security Council voted unanimously to adopt a new resolution extending the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) by a full year, following tough and complex negotiations within the Lebanese corridor led by French diplomacy. Year.
A Western diplomat revealed to Asharq Al-Awsat that efforts during the negotiations “focused on the importance of calling for restraint on both sides; in order to avoid major explosions,” stressing that “the renewal of UNIFIL is essential to maintaining an effective peacekeeping operation in the region And it is important to prevent any escalation after October 7 last year, he noted that despite the consensus, “negotiations are complex.” The “most difficult part” is gaining support from the United States. He pointed out that Beirut and Washington were involved in high-level negotiations to renew the contract through what he called a “technical” one.
Before the vote on the new resolution numbered “2749”, Nathalie Broadhurst, Deputy Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations, introduced the status of the update process and the need to maintain stability in Lebanon.
for long term solutions
The Security Council subsequently voted unanimously to adopt the resolution, noting that the Council determined that “the situation in Lebanon continues to pose a threat to international peace and security,” calling for “the full implementation of resolution (1701),” and reiterating its “strong support for full respect for the (Blue Line) and A complete cessation of hostilities. He stated that the goal is to “reach a long-term solution based on the principles and elements set out in paragraph (8) of resolution (1701)” and decided to extend the current mandate of UNIFIL until August 31, 2025. “All relevant actors” will take immediate steps to reduce the escalation of the situation; one of the goals is to restore calm, self-control and stability on the “Blue Line”. He encouraged UN Secretary-General António Guterres “to ensure that UNIFIL stands ready to adapt its activities within the framework of its mandate and rules of engagement to support de-escalation”. He also requested the Secretary-General to continue to submit reports to the Security Council on the implementation of resolution 1701 every four months or at any time he deems appropriate. The reporting format should be consistent with the current reporting format specified in previous resolutions. He underlined “the importance of achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East” on the basis of all relevant decisions.
“UNIFIL strengthens”
After the vote, US deputy ambassador to the United Nations Robert Wood said the relative stability in the “Blue Line” area after the 2006 war “was shattered on the morning of October 8, when (Hezbollah) began launching a barrage of missiles” against Israel. ”, adding that “[Hezbollah]made the escalating decision to bomb (communities) in northern Israel,” adding that “the Security Council has not yet condemned (Hezbollah) for these repeated destabilizing actions, which is wrong.” He expressed regret that “a small number of Council members prevented the Council from doing so.” “Lebanon should not be a haven for terrorist groups or a springboard for attacks on Israel,” he said, but added, “There is no doubt that Iran is in clear violation of the arms embargo imposed by resolution (1701). Hezbollah) has launched most of its missiles, missiles and aircraft at Israel. He reiterated that “the United States supports Israel’s right to self-defense” and believes that “the path to stability does not end with the restoration of calm along the (Blue Line); on the contrary , culminating in a comprehensive understanding (…) that includes real implementation mechanisms to enable displaced residents on both sides of the (Blue Line) to return home safely. “In order to achieve this, we clearly need to strengthen UNIFIL at some point to assist with implementation more urgently,” he said. “Going forward, we need to address the ways in which Hezbollah and other malign actors in Lebanon are preventing the full implementation of resolution (1701),” he added. “
high risk
What the new resolution did not mention in its working paragraphs, diplomats pointed out in the preamble of resolution “2749” that the resolution not only recalled the provisions of the 2006 resolution “1701”, but also reviewed the previous relevant provisions of the “Security Council” Lebanon, in particular resolutions: “425”, “426” in 1978 and “1559” in 2004, notes with “high concern” the escalation of fighting on the “Blue Line” since 8 October 2023, “violating the cessation of hostilities in violation of other provisions of resolution (1701),” and warned that “further escalation of the situation will bring a high risk of leading to large-scale conflict.” He “expressed his deepest concern at the consequences of these tensions, which have resulted in numerous civilian casualties and forced tens of thousands of civilians to flee their homes,” and he called on “all parties to armed conflicts to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law.” . “Including those issues related to the protection of civilians, including children.” It affirmed its “commitment to the full implementation of all provisions of resolution (1701)” while fulfilling its mission of “helping restore calm along the (Blue Line), ensuring a permanent ceasefire and resolution long-term solutions envisioned in the
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