UN envoy calls on 'all parties to remain calm' in Lebanon

BEIRUT — Head of UN Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix on Tuesday called on "all parties to remain calm" regarding the situation in south Lebanon during a meeting with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati at the Grand Serail in Beirut.

These statements come a day after Mikati announced that "a diplomatic solution" to the crossfire ongoing since Oct. 8 between Hezbollah and Israel on the southern front is currently in progress. He specified that the US presidential envoy, Amos Hochstein, is expected in Lebanon this week.

According to a statement from the Serail released on Tuesday, Jean-Pierre Lacroix "called on all parties to remain calm, to support the army in south Lebanon, and to continue firm cooperation between it and UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon)." Also present at the meeting were the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Joanna Wronecka, and the UNIFIL Commander-in-Chief, Aroldo Lazaro.

The meeting focused on "developments in south Lebanon and ongoing initiatives to halt the war in Gaza," as stated in the Serail's statement. Mikati reiterated what he had stated the day before on the TV channel Alhurra, emphasizing his insistence "to ask the international community to stop the Israeli aggression."

"We demand stability and a lasting peace solution, but instead, we receive war threats through international envoys," the statement noted. 

Mikati affirmed that Lebanon "is ready to enter negotiations to achieve long-term stability in south Lebanon and at the northern border of occupied Palestine, and to respect international resolutions in accordance with the armistice agreement [of 1949] and Resolution 1701." This resolution ended the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel and provides for a withdrawal of Hezbollah from south of the Litani River, and the deployment of the Lebanese army and the UNIFIL to the border.

Head of UN Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix also held talks with Lebanese Army Chief Joseph Aoun in Yarze. The discussion focused on the situation in Lebanon and the latest developments in the region.

Acting Director of General Security Elias Baissari also hosted Lacroix, accompanied by Lazaro, at his office. The conversation centered on regional developments, particularly in south Lebanon, concerning the front between Hezbollah and Israel.

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Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri welcomed Lacroix Wronecka, and General Lazaro at Ain al-Tineh. The UN envoy assured his host that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the United Nations "continue to exert efforts with the international community to de-escalate towards a permanent ceasefire in Gaza."

Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, received Lacroix, Mrs. Wronecka, and General Lazaro at Ain al-Tineh. (Credit: Photo released by the Lebanese Parliament.)

However, the UN representative expressed concern about "the ongoing escalation in the region and in Lebanon." Berri, on his part, praised the efforts made by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and their reports on Israel's daily escalation, impacting residential areas, civilians, ambulances and journalists."

He highlighted that this not only violated UN Resolution 1701, but also breached engagement protocols. He handed Lacroix the findings of an investigation prepared by the National Council for Scientific Research regarding Israeli attacks, their consequences, the number of civilians killed and the agricultural and forest areas affected by phosphorus bombs, which are prohibited by international law.

Caretaker Defense Minister Maurice Slim also met with the same UN delegation at his office in Yarze. He emphasized "the importance of UNIFIL's role in southern Lebanon," stating that "Beirut values this force and sees its role as crucial for restoring calm and stability, in continuous cooperation with the Lebanese army in all domains."

He reiterated Lebanon's commitment to "adhering to all international resolutions, especially Resolution 1701," and stressed "the need to end Israeli aggression against Lebanon and fully withdraw from the occupied territories." He underscored "the essential role of the international community in ending the conflict in Gaza and seeking political solutions based on the principle of a two-state resolution."

Lacroix commended the close coordination between UNIFIL and the Lebanese Army in maintaining calm and stability in UNIFIL's operational region. He highlighted "the international community's efforts to alleviate tensions in the south" while affirming efforts to provide additional support to the Lebanese army.