Wednesday, January 18, 2017

UN DELEGATION VISITING UNIFIL TO CONDUCT STRATEGIC REVIEW

16 Jan 2017
A UN delegation is currently visiting Lebanon to conduct a Strategic Review of UNIFIL. This is pursuant to a request made by the UN Security Council in its resolution 2305 of August 2016 in order to ensure that the Mission is configured most appropriately to fulfill its mandated tasks.
 
In line with peacekeeping good practice, it is imperative to keep all peacekeeping operations under close review in order to ensure a rigorous, strategic approach to peacekeeping deployments. UNIFIL and the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) have been engaged in preparatory work, including taking stock of progress achieved since the last Strategic Review of 2012.  
 
The Strategic Review of UNIFIL is aimed at improving the mission's effectiveness and efficiency, and to ensure that UNIFIL is best configured and resourced to deliver on its mandate. The Security Council confirmed its "strong continuing commitment to UNIFIL's existing mandate."
 
In Lebanon, the UN delegation led by Mr. El Ghassim Wane, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, will be meeting with UNIFIL and Lebanese officials as well as with diplomatic representatives in Beirut.

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

UNIFIL FORCE COMMANDER MAJOR-GENERAL BEARY MEETS NEWLY APPOINTED LEBANESE PRIME MINISTER SAAD HARIRI

10 Jan 2017
UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major-General Michael Beary today called on the newly appointed Prime Minister Saad Hariri in his office in Beirut.

Following the meeting, Major-General Beary said: “I was extremely encouraged by this first meeting with Prime Minister Hariri. I was pleased to have this opportunity just weeks after he assumed office to brief him on UNIFIL’s mission and related developments in south Lebanon.”

“I informed the Prime Minister that the situation along the Blue Line and in the UNIFIL area of operations remains calm, and that the parties have reiterated their commitment to resolution 1701 and to upholding the cessation of hostilities.” And he added:” I have also briefed the Prime Minister on the upcoming visit of a UN delegation who will conduct a Strategic Review of the Mission aimed at improving the mission’s effectiveness and efficiency, and to ensure that UNIFIL is best configured and resourced to deliver on its mandate.”

UNIFIL Force Commander emphasized the importance of UNIFIL’s liaison and coordination arrangements stressing on the crucial role played by the Tripartite forum:” This confidence building-mechanism has proven to be vital in preventing tension and incidents, and in de-conflicting the situation at critical moments. In the tense regional situation, it is all the more important for both parties to continue working with UNIFIL to address developing issues and prevent any escalation along the Blue Line.”

“The Prime Minister had strong words of support for UNIFIL and he acknowledged the importance of the work we are doing together with the Lebanese Armed Forces to maintain a safe and secure environment in the south. One of our main objectives is to continue working with LAF on furthering the Strategic Dialogue process to strengthen their capabilities in order to tackle the multiple challenges that face them” Major-General Beary said. “We will seek again to keep calm with the LAF and not allow any miscalculation or misunderstanding to lead to an outbreak of tension or conflict in the area.”

During the meeting UNIFIL Head of Mission highlighted the greater involvement of the Lebanese Government in the south: “UNIFIL will continue to work with Ministries as well as local leaders in extending their full authority in UNIFIL area of operations. It is important for the Government of Lebanon to continue to take advantage of this unprecedented calm that south Lebanon has enjoyed for more than 10 years.”