Lebanese President Aoun warned against extending UNIFIL's mandate

According to the statement made by the Lebanese Presidency, Avn received Edward Ahlgren, Advisor to the British Ministry of Defense for Middle East and North African Affairs.

Aoun stated that they will welcome the forces that will replace UNIFIL in order to continue the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1701 and to support the Lebanese army to establish state authority in the southern lands up to the internationally recognized borders.

President Aoun warned that not extending UNIFIL's mandate, which will expire at the end of the year, and not establishing an alternative international force would create a vacuum that would not serve security and stability in the region.

Avn stated that Israel refrained from implementing the framework agreement reached during the Lebanon-US-Israel negotiations in Washington.

Noting that Israel does not comply with the ceasefire and continues to demolish houses and bulldoze them, Aoun stated that it has not fulfilled its obligations regarding the correction of disputed points on the Blue Line and the return of Lebanese prisoners to their country.

Admiral Ahlgren reiterated Britain's support for Lebanon in every field, especially the army.

UNIFIL's mandate in Lebanon expires at the end of the year.

Establishment of UNIFIL and resolution 1701

Following the start of the civil war in Lebanon, Israel entered Lebanese territory in 1978 and occupied the south of Lebanon. The same year, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) called on Israel to withdraw its forces from Lebanon.

At the request of Lebanon, the UNSC established UNIFIL on 19 March 1978, with the aim of confirming the withdrawal of Israeli forces, restoring peace and security, and supporting the Lebanese government in reestablishing its authority over the south of the country.

The UNSC unanimously adopted resolution 1701 on August 11, 2006, calling for an end to the violent war between Lebanon and Israel that started on July 12, 2006.

Decision No. 1701 envisages Israel's withdrawal behind the Blue Line and the disarmament of the region between this line and the Litani River in Lebanon, and that only weapons and military equipment belonging to the Lebanese army and UNIFIL will be kept there.