South Lebanon - New York: Europe and the Arabs
In her first visit to the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in Naqoura, the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, met with the UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander, General Aroldo Lazaro, and UNIFIL peacekeeping forces deployed in southern Lebanon. According to the United Nations daily news bulletin, a copy of which we received this morning
After visiting the Blue Line, the Special Coordinator said: “Our joint efforts aim to restore stability along the Blue Line after more than eight months of intense exchanges that have disrupted the lives of tens of thousands on both sides. It is essential for all parties to cease the exchange of fire and commit to solutions.” Sustainable, in line with Security Council Resolution 1701.
 The Special Coordinator - who was appointed to her position late last month after the end of her term as head of the United Nations Political Mission in Iraq - praised UNIFIL's leadership and the dedication of its peacekeepers, who are always present on the ground and who continue their patrols in the area south of the Litani River despite the difficult and dangerous conditions.
Welcoming the Special Coordinator on her maiden visit to UNIFIL, General Latharu said: “Despite the current challenges, peacekeepers will continue to support the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 on the ground, and engage with both parties through our coordination and liaison mechanisms. We will continue to work closely with the Special Coordinator to urge "We must reduce the escalation and take steps towards a lasting political and diplomatic solution."
According to a statement issued by the Office of the Special Coordinator, the two UN officials stressed that the two parties can choose negotiations and peace, and they also affirmed the United Nations’ commitment to communicating with all parties and international partners to restore peace, security and stability in Lebanon, Israel and the region during this critical period.
It is noteworthy that the Blue Line is the technical line determined by the United Nations after Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000