Security Council Extends Mandate of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon for One Year, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2591 (2021)

MEETINGS COVERAGE

SC/14617

30 AUGUST 2021

• SECURITY COUNCIL

8845TH MEETING (AM)

The Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) until August 2022, reiterating its call for Israel and Lebanon to support a permanent ceasefire and a long-term solution based on the principles and elements set out in resolution 1701 (2006).

Unanimously adopting resolution 2591 (2021), the Council condemned all violations of the Blue Line, both by air and ground, strongly calling on all parties to respect the cessation of hostilities, prevent any violation of the Blue Line and respect it in its entirety, and to cooperate fully with the United Nations and UNIFIL.

The Council also urged Israel to expedite the withdrawal of its army from northern Ghajar without further delay in coordination with UNIFIL. 

It strongly reaffirmed the need for effective deployment of Lebanon's Armed Forces in the country's south and in its territorial waters at an accelerated pace, recalling its own request for precise timelines to be jointly and promptly elaborated by the Armed Forces and the Secretary-General for such deployments, in order to fully implement resolution 1701 (2006).

By other terms, the Council urged all parties to abide scrupulously by their obligations to respect the safety of UNIFIL and other United Nations personnel, reiterating its call for the rapid finalization of Lebanon's investigation into all attacks against the Mission, notably the incidents of 4 August 2018 and 10 February 2020.  It similarly urged all parties to ensure that UNIFIL's access to the Blue Line is fully respected and unimpeded in all its operations, condemning in the strongest terms all attempts to restrict its free movement.

The meeting began at 10:11 a.m. and ended at 10:13 a.m.

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the deteriorating socio-economic situation in Lebanon Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

26 August 2021

The Secretary-General expresses his deep concern about the rapidly deteriorating socio-economic situation in Lebanon. The people of Lebanon are struggling every day with hyperinflation, acute shortages of fuel, electricity, medicine and even access to clean water.  

 

The Secretary-General calls on all Lebanese political leaders to urgently form an effective government of national unity that can bring immediate relief, justice and accountability to the people of Lebanon and drive an ambitious and meaningful course for reform to restore access to basic services, restore stability, promote sustainable development and inspire hope for a better future.  

Statement of the International Support Group for Lebanon meeting on 20 August 2021

20 August 2021

The international Support Group for Lebanon expresses its deep regrets over the loss of life and injuries resulting from the explosion of a fuel tanker in North Lebanon on 15 August.

This tragic incident occurred in the context of acute fuel shortages now affecting Lebanon, with severe repercussions for essential services, including electricity provision, public health, public water supply, as well as businesses and livelihoods.

This fast-accelerating crisis underscores the utmost urgency of forming a government capable of taking the situation in hand, meeting the immediate needs of the people of Lebanon, initiating the needed reforms, and paving the way for international support.  The ISG calls on all parties to work towards this end without any further delay.

The ISG continues to stand by Lebanon and its people.

Note to Editors

The International Support Group has brought together the United Nations and the governments of China, France, Germany, Italy, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States, together with the European Union and the Arab League.  It was launched in September 2013 by the UN Secretary-General with former President Michel Sleiman to help mobilize support and assistance for Lebanon's stability, sovereignty and state institutions.

AT TRIPARTITE MEETING, UNIFIL HEAD URGES PARTIES TO RECOMMIT TO LIAISON AND COORDINATION MECHANISMS

Aug 5 2021 

UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Stefano Del Col today chaired a Tripartite meeting with senior officers from the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) at a UN position in Ras Al Naqoura.

In view of rockets launched from Lebanon and return fire of dozens of shells from Israel yesterday, and Israeli air strikes today, Major General Del Col called on both sides to "use this tripartite forum for what it is worth – to explore ways to reinforce security and stability along the Blue Line."

"In this period of regional volatility, more than ever, UNIFIL's liaison and coordination role must be respected by all sides," he said. "In the most imperfect times, this mechanism has served you well and now is the time to recommit to it, not allow the spoilers to have the better of us."

Discussions focused on the situation along the Blue Line, air and ground violations, as well as other issues within the scope of UNIFIL's mandate under UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006) and other relevant resolutions. However, the UNIFIL head specifically called the parties "to act with urgency" to de-escalate tensions and prevent breaches of the cessation of hostilities.

He called for "full and timely" cooperation of the parties with UNIFIL to ensure successful conclusion of all ongoing investigations of recent incidents.

Since the end of the 2006 war in south Lebanon, regular Tripartite meetings have been held under UNIFIL's auspices as an essential conflict-management and confidence-building mechanism.

Statement of the International Support Group for Lebanon

3 August, 2021 | The International Support Group for Lebanon (ISG) met on 3 August, on the eve of the anniversary of the tragic explosions at the port of Beirut on 4 August 2020. All members expressed their solidarity with the families of the victims, and with those whose lives and livelihoods have been affected. It urged authorities to swiftly complete the investigation into the port explosions, so that the truth may be known and justice rendered.

The ISG observed with deep concern the accelerating economic deterioration that has severely affected all segments of Lebanese society, its institutions and services. The ISG called upon Lebanese authorities, as a matter of national responsibility, to urgently take every possible step to improve the living conditions of the people of Lebanon. Members welcomed the upcoming conference co-chaired by France and the United Nations to address the humanitarian needs of Lebanon's most vulnerable people.

The ISG noted that one year has now passed without a government. Members took note of the designation of a new Prime Minister and called on leaders to support without delay the formation of an empowered new government that implements meaningful reforms. The Group recalled the importance of holding elections on time in order to safeguard a democratic Lebanon and to restore the trust and hope of its people.