President Joseph Aoun receiving the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations accompanied by the UNIFIL commander and a delegation. (Photo taken from the Lebanese Presidency's X account @LBpresidency)
BEIRUT — U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix began a visit to Beirut on Wednesday, just weeks before the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate renewal scheduled for August. Accompanied by UNIFIL Commander General Aroldo Lázaro, Lacroix was received by several high-ranking Lebanese officials, including President Joseph Aoun, at Baabda Palace.
"Lebanon remains committed to maintaining UNIFIL forces in South Lebanon and to implementing U.N. Resolution 1701 in coordination with the Lebanese Army, to preserve the stability of South Lebanon, which has become crucial not only for Lebanon but for the entire region," Aoun told the U.N. official, according to an official palace statement. "UNIFIL's role in maintaining this stability is essential," he added.
Lacroix's visit to Lebanon comes just weeks ahead of the U.N. debate on a possible renewal of UNIFIL's mandate. He is expected to work with Lebanese authorities to advocate for enhanced cooperation, reaffirmation of all parties' commitments to Resolution 1701 and for the need to protect the progress of peacekeeping efforts made in coordination with Lebanese authorities, according to information obtained by L'Orient Today.
U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel, stipulates the creation of a strengthened UNIFIL in southern Lebanon. This resolution also served as the basis for the cease-fire agreed on Nov. 27, 2024, between the same belligerents. This time, however, the international community is insisting on the implementation of another of its provisions, concerning the monopoly of weapons by the Lebanese state, which de facto implies the disarmament of Hezbollah.
After meeting with Lacroix, Aoun also expressed hope that "the donor countries contributing to UNIFIL will continue to provide the necessary funding," adding that "Lebanon will make contacts with friendly countries for this purpose."
The president also awarded General Lázaro, whose mandate is ending, the medal of the National Order of the Cedar, Commander Grade, for his efforts to maintain peace in southern Lebanon.
The renewal of UNIFIL's mandate
In the afternoon, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam received the U.N. Under-Secretary-General at the Grand Serail, again accompanied by the UNIFIL Commander. Lacroix had already met with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berry in Ain al-Tineh.
Emphasizing "the importance of UNIFIL's presence in supporting stability in Lebanon and particularly in southern Lebanon," Salam conveyed Lebanon's desire to "renew its mission as soon as possible." "The Lebanese state is submitting an official request to the UN in this regard," he assured.
The head of government also emphasized the need to "maintain stability in the current circumstances" and "prevent Lebanon from being drawn into or involved in the ongoing regional confrontation." "The Lebanese Army continues to expand its deployment in the southern regions," he affirmed, committing to extending the Lebanese state's authority across its entire territory and implementing Resolution 1701.
"The United Nations supports Lebanon's request to continue UNIFIL's work," Lacroix responded, noting that "communication is ongoing with the parties concerned to reach an agreement on extending UNIFIL's mandate."
The challenges related to the renewal of UNIFIL's mandate and developments in South Lebanon were also at the heart of the meeting between Foreign Minister Joe Rajji and Lacroix.
Rajji reiterated "Lebanon's commitment to maintaining UNIFIL," recalling the peacekeeping force's important role in establishing stability and calm in southern Lebanon. He also rejected "any harm to UNIFIL personnel" by populations of certain villages in southern Lebanon and insisted on the need to "extend its mandate without any modifications."
The minister stated that "Lebanon condemns any Israeli aggression against international forces," referring to repeated attacks by the Israeli army in southern Lebanon despite the cease-fire. He also denounced "any attack on peacekeeping members by Lebanese nationals," noting "the Lebanese authorities are working to hold perpetrators accountable and bring them to justice."
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, also highlighted "the importance of renewing UNIFIL's mandate and maintaining its funding." He praised "the cooperation between international forces and the Lebanese Army in southern Lebanon for the implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701," emphasizing "the importance of the Lebanese Army's role in strengthening its deployment in the South and ensuring a monopoly on weapons."
Prime Minister Salam also expressed gratitude to the international force's commanding general "for the significant role and efforts he has made in favor of Lebanon during his mandate as UNIFIL commander."
In recent weeks, several clashes have erupted between UNIFIL patrols and 'inhabitants' of certain southern villages protesting against what they denounce as "patrols without coordination with the army." Some believe this is a message from Hezbollah, which has a large support base in this area, against the presence of UNIFIL. However, the head of the party's political wing, Mohammad Raad, stated that Hezbollah "supports the Lebanese state's position in favor of renewing UNIFIL's mandate."