But the resolution stipulates that it will then begin a year “catching up and withdrawal and safe from its staff”, in close consultation with the Lebanese government.
The provisional strength of the United Nations in Lebanon (Unifil) was established by the Security advice In 1978, to supervise the withdrawal of southern Israeli troops and played an important role in monitoring security in southern Lebanon since.
The “peacekeepers” of the mission are mandated to implement Resolution 1701 which ended hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah activists in 2006.
Since the formal end of the fighting between the two parties last November, which devastated the areas of southern Lebanon, Unifil supported the mission of the National Army (Laf) to establish full control of the South – but Israel continues to have a presence in violation of Lebanese sovereignty.
Continuous role during withdrawal
During the withdrawal period after the end of next year, the resolution indicates that Unifil is authorized to continue ensuring safety and assistance to the UN staff, while continuing to “maintain the awareness of the situation” around the outposts and bases of Unifil.
He “will also contribute to the protection of civilians and the safe delivery of humanitarian aid led by civilians”.
In addition, the resolution calls on the secretary general to present options by June 1 of next year for the future implementation of resolution 1701 to establish a permanent end to fight between Israel and activists in Lebanon.
Negotiations fell over this week, the US actual permanent permanent representative saying at the meeting on Thursday, it was already time for the Lebanese forces to assume greater responsibility, without soldiers of the UN peace.
Penholder’s France led negotiations on the mandate, and their representative told ambassadors that Unifil’s continuous efforts were vital: “Any premature withdrawal could undermine or even weaken the Lebanese government’s efforts” to the south, “he said.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
