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UNIFIL denies 'amendment' of its mandate, assures cooperation with army


UNIFIL denies 'amendment' of its mandate, assures cooperation with army

UN peacekeepers deployed in South Lebanon, near the Lebanese-Israeli border, on Aug. 5, 2021. (MAHMOUD ZAYYAT/AFP)

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) issued a statement Monday pushing back against "misinformation" following reports that an amended mandate had granted the force greater freedom of movement in the South.

UNIFIL clarified that it continues to coordinate its movements with the Lebanese army, even when not physically accompanied by the military. UNIFIL's mandate was extended in August for a period of one year.

At the time of the renewed of the mandate, the UN Security Council reiterated that peacekeepers "do not need any prior authorization or permission to carry out the tasks" for which they are mandated, and that UNIFIL can conduct its operations independently.

These clarifications came after several incidents with residents of border villages in an area predominantly governed by Hezbollah.

In recent days, via several officials, Hezbollah denounced a "dangerous" amendment that grants, according to the party, too much freedom to UNIFIL.

On Monday, the political bureau of the Amal movement — an ally of Hezbollah — stressed a need for "the Lebanese army to always accompany the missions of the peacekeepers," and denounced "any change in their activity, in order to not destabilize the relationship of UNIFIL with the inhabitants of the South."

A UNIFIL spokesperson reiterated Monday that this was a measure was already in effect before the annual extension of their mandate and does not, in their opinion, impinge on the role of the Lebanese Army.

"UNIFIL has always had permission to conduct patrols in its area of operations, with or without the Lebanese army," the spokesperson said in a statement.

The statement maintained that UNIFIL works "closely with the Lebanese army every day," and assured "this has not changed."

Finally, the statement called on the media to avoid "transmitting incorrect information that could unnecessarily increase tensions between the peacekeepers and the communities they help."

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) issued a statement Monday pushing back against "misinformation" following reports that an amended mandate had granted the force greater freedom of movement in the South. UNIFIL clarified that it continues to coordinate its movements with the Lebanese army, even when not physically accompanied by the military. UNIFIL's mandate was extended in...