(Adnkronos) – From southern Lebanon, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said that “the continued occupation by Israeli forces (IDF) in the Unifil area of operations and the conduct of military operations in Lebanese territory constitute violations of Resolution 1701”, which ended the 2006 conflict, and must “cease”. Words that come almost two months after the truce between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah entered into force on 27 November.
Guterres from the Unifil headquarters in Naqura, “after one of the most difficult periods imaginable”, also spoke of the discovery by the peacekeepers “since 27 November of over 100 weapons depots belonging to Hezbollah or others armed groups”.
“The presence of armed personnel, vehicles and weapons other than those of the Lebanese government and Unifil between the Blue Line and the Litani River are clear violations of Resolution 1701 and jeopardize Lebanon’s stability – he pointed out, according to statements released by Unifil – The Lebanese Armed Forces, as the sole guarantor of Lebanon’s security, are deploying in greater numbers in southern Lebanon, also with the assistance of Unifl and the components of the mechanism established in the context of the cessation of hostilities”. And, he said, “we will continue to urge the international community to strengthen its support for the Lebanese Armed Forces”.
