16 Aug2023

TRIPARTITE PRESS RELEASE FOR 16 AUGUST 2023

UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Aroldo Lázaro chaired a Tripartite meeting with senior officers of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) at a UN position in Ras al-Naqoura today.
 
Discussions focused on the situation along the Blue Line, air and ground violations, and other issues within the scope of UNIFIL's mandate under UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006) and subsequent resolutions. 
 
Major General Lázaro expressed his concern over a series of incidents along the Blue Line in recent months which have increased tension. UNIFIL chief urged the parties to continue to avail of UNIFIL's liaison and coordination mechanisms while avoiding unilateral actions. He also appealed for engagement in Blue Line talks to address outstanding issues highlighting the importance of positive signals by both parties ahead of the Security Council consideration of UNIFIL's mandate renewal.
 
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. Today was the 162nd such meeting. Through its liaison and coordination mechanisms, UNIFIL remains the only forum through which the Lebanese and Israeli armies officially meet.

JOINT STATEMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT GROUP FOR LEBANON ON THE EVE OF 4 AUGUST

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.
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.