Lebanese lawmakers urge UN to renew UNIFIL mandate

A delegation of Lebanese lawmakers on Thursday delivered a letter signed by 86 parliament members to UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jean Arnault, urging the renewal and continued presence of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) reported.



The letter was handed to Arnault in Beirut as part of a parliamentary initiative supporting UNIFIL's mission.



According to the NNA, the lawmakers said the broad cross-party support reflects a national consensus on the importance of maintaining UNIFIL's presence in southern Lebanon, citing its role in preserving security and stability, monitoring the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, and helping prevent further escalation.



The delegation argued that the conditions that led to the establishment of UNIFIL remain in place due to continuing violations and the fragile security situation.



sThey said the peacekeeping force should retain its full operational mandate, especially during what they described as a critical period for Lebanon and the wider region.