After tough negotiations…the Security Council extends a “technical” extension to UNIFIL.

Ali Barada wrote in Asharq Al-Awsat:

The Security Council voted unanimously on Wednesday, with its 15 members, on a new resolution extending for a full year the mission of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), after difficult and complex negotiations. complex led by French diplomacy within the corridors of the People. international organization and across capitals, especially with Washington, due to the ongoing wars between Israel and Hezbollah since October 8 last year.

A Western diplomat revealed to Asharq Al-Awsat that efforts during the talks “focused on the importance of calling for a ban on both sides; In order to avoid a major explosion, “emphasizing that “the renewal of UNIFIL is important to maintain effective peacekeeping operations in this region and prevent any escalation (…) after October 7 last year .” He said that despite the consensus, “the discussions were complicated.” Including the “most difficult point” that was supported by the US He pointed out that the high-level talks included Beirut and Washington to accept an upgrade that he described as “. technique.”

Before voting on the new resolution, which received the number “2749,” the Deputy Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations, Natalie Broadhurst, presented the situation of the renewal process and the need to preserve Lebanon’s stability.

For a long term solution
After that, the Council voted unanimously on the resolution stating that the Security Council concluded that “the situation in Lebanon remains a threat to international peace and security, calling for ” full implementation of Resolution (1701),” and reiterates his “strong support for full respect for the (Blue Line). “And stop enemies altogether.” He said the goal is to “reach a long-term solution based on the principles and elements identified in Paragraph (8) of Resolution (1701),” concluding UNIFIL’s current mandate to be extended until August 31, 2025. He strongly urged “all relevant actors to immediately implement measures to reduce escalation; Among the goals are to restore calm, self-control and stability over on the “Blue Line”. He encouraged the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, “to ensure that UNIFIL forces remain ready to adapt their operations to support de-escalation, within the framework of the mandate and the rules of engagement.” He also asked the Secretary-General to continue submitting reports to the Council on the implementation of Resolution 1701 every 4 months, or at any time he deems appropriate, in a manner that was consistent with the current narrative format as specified in previous resolutions.He emphasized “the importance of achieving a complete, just and lasting peace in the Middle East,” on the basis of all his relevant decisions.

“UNIFIL reinforced”

After the vote, Deputy US Ambassador to the United Nations Robert Wood said that the relative stability that the “Blue Line” region had seen after the 2006 war “was broken on the morning of October 8, when (Hezbollah) began to ‘ launch a missile barrier. attacks on Israel,” saying that “(Hezbollah) made the urgent decision to bomb (communities) in northern Israel,” saying “it is wrong that this council has not yet condemned (Hezbollah) for these unsavory actions again.” He regretted that “a minority of Council members prevent the Council from doing that.” While he said that “Lebanon should not be a home for terrorist groups or a starting point for attacks against Israel,” he said that “there is no dispute that Iran, which clearly opposes the arms embargo specified in Resolution (1701), provides. (Hezbollah) with most missiles, rockets and aircraft.” The drone was launched at Israel. He reiterated “the support of the United States for Israel’s right to defend itself,” and believed that “the path to stability does not end with the restoration of calm on the (Blue Line) ; Instead, it will end with a comprehensive understanding (…) that includes real mechanisms of action that will allow displaced residents on both sides of the (Blue Line) to return to their homes there the safety and security. ” He said, “To achieve this; “It is clear that we will need a reinforced UNIFIL force at some point to help with more urgent implementation.” He said, “In the future, we must address the ways in which Hezbollah and other malign actors in Lebanon are preventing the full implementation of Resolution (1701).

High risk
What the new resolution did not say in its working paragraphs, the diplomats said in the preamble to Resolution “2749,” which restored not only the provisions of Resolution “1701” of 2006, but also its all previous resolutions of the “Security Council” regarding Lebanon, especially Resolutions: “425.” And “426” of 1978, and “1559” of 2004, note “with great concern” how there is an increase in the exchange of fire ​​​​along the “Blue Line” from October 8, 2023 in the “violation of the cessation of hostilities and other provisions in Resolution (1701),” warning of “Further escalation carries great risks that will lead to large-scale conflict.” Expressing “his greatest concern about the impact of these tensions, which have caused many civilian casualties and forced tens of thousands of civilians to flee their homes,” he calls on “all parties to the armed conflict to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law.” his “commitment to fully implement all the provisions of Resolution (1701)”, while at the same time fulfilling the obligations in “helping to restore calm on the (Blue Line), and getting a permanent truce and a long-term solution as seen in the resolution.”