The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Lebanese Parliament, chaired by MP Fadi Alama, and members Pierre Abou Assi, Ibrahim el-Moussaoui, Nasser Jaber and Haider Nasser, at UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura. (Credit: NNA)
A delegation of Lebanese parliamentarians met Thursday with General Aroldo Lázaro, Chief Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and other senior officers at the force's headquarters in Naqoura. The meeting occurred amidst sirens blaring following border bombings in South Lebanon, according to the official National News Agency (NNA).
The closed-door session aimed to brief MPs on UNIFIL's role and mission, especially in light of the renewal of its mandate. The Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, chaired by MP Fadi Alame of the Amal movement, hosted the meeting. Also present were MPs Pierre Abou Assi (Lebanese Forces), Ibrahim el-Moussaoui (Hezbollah), Nasser Jaber (Amal), and Haidar Nasser (independent aligned with March 8).
Kandice Ardiel, UNIFIL's Deputy Spokesperson, emphasized the significance of the visit, highlighting Lebanon's request to the UN Security Council for a one-year mandate renewal amid ongoing clashes between Hezbollah and Israel since Oct. 8, following the Gaza war.
Lebanon 'does not want war'
In a speech, MP Alame reiterated Lebanon's commitment to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel. "We must affirm Lebanon's position of absolute and clear cooperation with you to implement Resolution 1701, which constitutes a path and an entry point to restore calm and stop the war against Gaza," he stated.
"To you and all those working in peacekeeping forces, I wish you success in your noble mission to achieve the peace we aspire to while safeguarding Lebanon's sovereignty and borders," added Alame.
He also condemned Israel's violations of Resolution 1701, stating that "Israel has not respected international humanitarian law. Its series of attacks against civilians, rescuers, and journalists have been proven, as well as its use of phosphorus incendiary bombs. This is prohibited. .. Israel has not spared targeting people and infrastructure, in addition to destroying homes and economic and commercial institutions."
Deputy Spokesperson Ardiel confirmed efforts to engage authorities of both countries to halt hostilities, lay down arms and facilitate a diplomatic resolution under Resolution 1701, aimed at long-term stability in South Lebanon.
The Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman reiterated Lebanon "does not want war and wishes to implement international resolutions," specifying that the parliamentarians' visit takes place amidst "ongoing attacks."
He also underscored the community ties fostered by UNIFIL in southern Lebanon, emphasizing its role in maintaining peace and community relations.
"In recent years, peace has become a reality, and today more than ever, we emphasize the necessity of your role. Thanks to its deployment in southern villages, UNIFIL has been able to establish privileged relations with civil society associations, municipalities, and residents, who maintain a relationship of gratitude and affection with the leaders of the forces operating here and their members," he concluded.