Upon receiving the commander of the UN Interim Force (UNIFIL) Aroldo Saenz at the Baabda Palace, the Lebanese president reported the continuous Israeli air and naval transgressions into national space, which number in more than 22,000 infractions in this time.
The head of state commented to the UNIFIL general that these attacks on the country’s sovereignty will lead to filing a complaint against Israel before the UN Security Council, “because these violations are constant and violate Resolution 1701.”
According to the National News Agency, Aoun pointed out the importance of coordination between the Lebanese army and the UNIFIL mission to improve stability in the southern region, in order to avoid disputes between UN forces and locals. He also recognized the work of the UN force in maintaining security in the country and expressed optimism that the Security Council agrees to renew the UNIFIL mandate at the end of next month.
For his part, General Saenz reiterated the commitment of the UNIFIL leadership to continue working to improve cooperation with the Lebanese authorities in order to preserve tranquility and strength in Lebanon.
According to communications from the Lebanese Army Orientation Directorate, in the first days of July there were three Israeli naval violations of territorial waters off the southern border.
UNIFIL was established in Lebanon in 1978 to confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces and restore international peace and security under Resolution 1701 of August 11th, 2006, and monitors the cessation of hostilities and assists the Lebanese government in the security of its borders and other points to prevent the entry of weapons or related material without its consent.
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