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UN Security Council extends UNIFIL mandate for another year

Xinhua, August 22, 2015 Adjust font size:

The UN Security Council on Friday extended the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) by another year, as "the situation in Lebanon continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security."

In a unanimously adopted resolution, the council decided to extend mandate of UNIFIL to Aug. 31, 2016.

The council commended "the positive role of UNIFIL, whose deployment together with the Lebanese Armed Forces has helped to establish a new strategic environment in southern Lebanon."

Meanwhile, the resolution called for a "further enhancement in cooperation" between the UN peacekeepers and the Lebanese Armed Forces.

UNIFIL was originally created by the Security Council in March 1978 to confirm the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, restore international peace and security and assist the Lebanese government in restoring its effective authority in the area.

Following the July-August 2006 crisis triggered by the war between Israel and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon, the Security Council enhanced UNIFIL and decided that in addition to its original mandate, UNIFIL would also monitor the cessation of hostilities, accompany and support the Lebanese armed forces as they deploy throughout the south of Lebanon, and help ensure humanitarian access to civilian populations and the voluntary and safe return of displaced persons. Enditem