UNIFIL: Commitment to UN Resolution 1701 Only Solution to Regain Regional Stability

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) strongly urged the parties to recommit to United Nations Security Council resolutions, namely, 1701 (2006) as being the only viable solution to bring back stability in this region. In its statement released on Tuesday, UNIFIL said that it was notified yesterday by the Israeli occupation forces of their intention to undertake limited ground incursions into Lebanon, to which UNIFIL commented, "Any crossing into Lebanon is in violation of Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a violation of resolution 1701. We urge all actors to step back from such escalatory acts, which will only lead to more violence and more bloodshed." The UN force continued, "Despite this dangerous development, peacekeepers remain in position. We are regularly adjusting our posture and activities, and we have contingency plans ready to activate if absolutely necessary. Peacekeeper safety and security is paramount, and all actors are reminded of their obligation to respect i t." UNIFIL warned the parties saying, "The price of continuing the current course of action is too high." while at the same time reaffirming that civilians must be protected, civilian infrastructure must not be targeted, and International law must be respected. Source: Qatar News Agency