He visited Nakora in southern Lebanon on Friday, where the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is located. A delicate peacekeeping operation is currently underway along the ‘Blue Line’, the line that separates the Israeli military and the Hezbollah group.
The UN chief also visited the sites of the UN mission in Naqora, which were targeted by Israeli forces last year.
Addressing the UN mission, he highlighted the important role of peacekeepers. “You are not only on the blue line in Lebanon, but also on the front line of peace.”
“The UNIFIL mission is the most challenging environment for peacekeepers, anywhere.”
The UN chief cited violations of Security Council Resolution 1701 by Israeli security forces. It is noteworthy that the Israeli army has occupied many UN-monitored areas and launched military operations on Lebanese territory.
According to the Secretary-General, these actions pose a serious threat to the safety and security of peacekeepers. Since November 27, UN peacekeepers have recovered more than 100 weapons belonging to Hezbollah and other armed groups.
During his visit, Secretary-General Guterres also met with the General of the Lebanese Armed Forces in South Lebanon.
He reiterated that the UN presence was temporary and that it was important to support the Lebanese army. “UNIFIL is ready to take all possible steps to support the Lebanese Armed Forces here.”
Diplomacy in Beirut
After returning to the capital Beirut, the UN Secretary General met French President Emmanuel Macron, who is visiting Lebanon, and discussed several issues related to the development of the region.
Afterwards, he attended a dinner hosted by Lebanon’s Acting Prime Minister with UN Special Coordinator Jeanine Hannis-Plassert and UNIFIL Force Commander Arnoldo Lazaro.
It was an opportunity to discuss the challenges facing Lebanon and the role of the international community in finding solutions to them.
Secretary-General Guterres’ visit to Lebanon comes at a critical time, when the country is suffering from political instability, economic challenges and security threats.
The UN chief’s busy schedule will continue in Beirut on Saturday and he will meet the president and prime minister and other senior officials. During this period, there is a possibility to discuss the political and economic situation in Lebanon and the stabilization and recovery efforts in the country.