Jean-Pierre Lacroix: UNIFIL Will Maintain Its Presence in All Positions Across The Blue Line of Lebanon
UNIFIL’s presence along the Blue Line is a priority for peacekeeping Oct 15, 2024 Photo: @UNIFIL_
October 15, 2024 Hour: 8:15 pm
The Council called for respect in order to maintain the safety of UN personnel and facilities while reiterating their support for UNIFIL’s vital role in maintaining regional stability.
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On October 14, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the head of UN peacekeeping operations, confirmed that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) will maintain its presence in all positions across Lebanon.
This decision comes despite escalating tensions and threats from Israeli authorities for the peacekeepers to relocate from areas near the Blue Line, the border between Lebanon and Israel. Lacroix stated, “The decision has been made that UNIFIL will remain in all its positions despite calls from the Israel Defense Forces to abandon those near the Blue Line”.
This resolution was supported by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and followed a thorough analysis of various factors impacting the region.
Lacroix emphasized that “the safety of peacekeeping forces is an absolute priority”. The UN Security Council has also expressed deep concern over ongoing hostilities along the Blue Line, particularly after several UNIFIL positions were reportedly fired upon in recent days, resulting in injuries to personnel.
Pascale Baeriswyl, President of the Council and Switzerland’s permanent representative to the UN, highlighted that these incidents have raised serious alarms about the safety of peacekeepers. She noted that “members of the Security Council expressed their grave concern after several UNIFIL positions were shot at”.
The Council called for respect in order to maintain the safety of UN personnel and facilities while reiterating their support for UNIFIL’s vital role in maintaining regional stability.
After urging all parties to respect international humanitarian law, they called for the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 and emphasized the need for “diplomatic efforts that will bring about a lasting end” to the conflict. This would allow civilians that are currently living near the Blue Line to return safely to their homes, Baeriswyl added.
Autor: MLM
Fuente: Xinhua
