UNIFIL Commander Highlights Importance of International Force in Supporting Lebanese State Institutions and Local Community

Beirut, October 26 (KUNA) -- The Head of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and its Commander, Major General Dioudato Abaniara, emphasized today, Monday, the importance of UNIFIL’s role in supporting Lebanese state institutions, enhancing the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces, and assisting the local community.

Speaking at a consultative meeting with the mayors of 20 municipalities within the area of operations of UNIFIL’s Italian Battalion in the Sidon District, Abaniara said that such consultative meetings “allow for identifying local needs and priorities and working to find ways to facilitate support for residents in coordination with the relevant municipalities.”

Referring to UNIFIL’s commitment to carrying out its peacekeeping mandate under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, Abaniara urged municipalities to strengthen cooperation and consultation among themselves to unify perspectives on urgent needs and coordinate efforts with UNIFIL in the interest of the public good.

For their part, the participating mayors conveyed a message to the international community through the UNIFIL Commander, stressing “the importance of continuing UNIFIL’s operations, especially given the delicate phase that southern Lebanon is currently undergoing.” They called for “not leaving the south to face its challenges alone,” emphasizing “the necessity of continuing support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and enhancing its role in maintaining security and stability.”

It is worth noting that the UN Security Council unanimously decided last August to extend UNIFIL’s mandate for the final time until December 31, 2026, and to begin a phased and orderly drawdown and withdrawal starting from that date within one year. (End) A.Y.B./R.J.