Central – Tenente: Resolution 1701 is still in effect despite the challenges

The official spokesman for the International Emergency Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Andrea Tenenti, stated that the situation on the side of UNIFIL operations in southern Lebanon, during the past few days, was calmer, despite the fact that the UNIFIL patrol was exposed to fire from the Israeli army. In the city of Aitaroun, last Saturday.
Tenenti explained, in statements to Sputnik, that “no peacekeepers were injured in this incident, but their car was damaged, just one day before the UNIFIL mission commander urged those exchanging fire to stop this cycle of violence,” reminding everyone. “Further escalation could have devastating consequences.”
Tenenti pointed out that UNIFIL lodged a protest against these incidents and reminded the parties of the need for their commitment to protecting peacekeeping forces.

Tenenti stressed that “Resolution 1701 is still in effect despite the challenges it faces, and of course we are experiencing challenges at the present time. The main priorities and monitoring of Resolution 1701 still exist, and the presence of UNIFIL on the ground to avoid conflict and the important role played by UNIFIL forces, where a dialogue can be held with “The Lebanese side and with the Israeli Defense Forces.”
Tenenti pointed out that “the role of our mission leader is to collect messages and perhaps also to dismantle the conflict, reduce tension and prevent misunderstandings, so this conflict has remained largely balanced until now, and the situation has been calmer, in the past few days.”
Tenenti stressed, “Cooperation between UNIFIL, the Lebanese government and the Lebanese Army remains very good, and we continue to coordinate closely with the Lebanese Army and also hold frequent meetings and talks with the Lebanese authorities with the aim of calming the situation and easing tensions.”
He stated that “the Lebanese authorities have expressed several times their commitment to Resolution 1701, and that they are not ready for escalation at the present time.”