Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Wednesday, issued the following statement: ‘The UN Security Council unanimously voted, a short while ago, in favor of extending the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for another year. On this occasion, I would like to express Lebanon’s deep gratitude to the members of the Security Council for their tireless efforts in renewing UNIFIL’s mandate, and I would particularly like to thank France for all the efforts it has made to secure consensus on this matter, and for all that it is exerting for Lebanon and its stability.
We also thank the United States of America for its understanding of Lebanese specificities and its efforts to preserve UNIFIL missions, particularly in these critical circumstances.
I also thank the friendly and sisterly countries that supported the extension, especially Algeria, which led the campaign to support the extension decision and continues to stand by Lebanon in all areas. We thank all members of the Security C
ouncil who voted in favor of the renewal. We must also salute His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Abdullah Bou Habib, for his efforts in securing the issuance of this decision in accordance with the supreme Lebanese interest.
The renewal of UNIFIL’s mandate is essential to maintaining stability in southern Lebanon, and we appreciate the continued support and cooperation of the Security Council in this regard. We affirm Lebanon’s commitment to working closely with UNIFIL to address the challenges and threats facing stability in the south. We also renew Lebanon’s commitment to implementing relevant international resolutions, in particular UN Resolution 1701.’
Source: National news agency – Lebanon