Arno provides a briefing to the Security Council on Resolution 1701: UN commitment to supporting the implementation of the resolution and continuing to support Lebanon's security, stability, territorial integrity, and recovery

The United Nations Office in Beirut announced in a statement that the Acting Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jan Pronk, briefed Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and the UN Security Council on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006).

The statement said: “Following the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah on March 2 and the continued Israeli presence and military activities on Lebanese territory, Pronk pointed to the widespread destruction and displacement, the magnitude of humanitarian needs, and the daunting recovery challenges ahead. He urged the international community to assist in addressing these challenges.”

He also spoke about “recent developments in diplomatic efforts, including the trilateral framework agreed upon by Lebanon, Israel, and the United States on June 26. He reaffirmed the United Nations’ support for initiatives aimed at de-escalating tensions and helping the parties reach arrangements that would put an end to decades of conflict.” He emphasized the importance of “continued international engagement and ensuring that these efforts enjoy broad national ownership.”

He also “highlighted the efforts of the Lebanese authorities to extend and strengthen state authority across all of Lebanese territory,” noting that “this should be an integrated effort involving various sectors of the state, and the success of this endeavor depends on the state’s ability to provide security and services to the population.” He added: “The Lebanese Armed Forces, as a national institution with broad public confidence, will play a fundamental role in this process.” In light of the uncertainty following the recent hostilities, the accompanying regional disturbances, and concerns about the situation in southern Lebanon in the post-UNIFIL period, Pronk stressed “the United Nations’ commitment to supporting the implementation of Resolution 1701, and its continued support for Lebanon’s security, stability, territorial integrity, and recovery.”