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UN chief hails UNIFIL's role in stabilizing southern Lebanon

Xinhua, March 25, 2016 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted Thursday that southern Lebanon has been stable since the UN peacekeeping mission was adopted in 2006.

Ban visited the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) where he met with the Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Luciano Portolano, the international force in said a statement.

He said the area has seen one of the quietest periods in the past nearly four decades.

"Stable environment in south Lebanon, continued cessation of hostilities and increasing ability of the Lebanese Armed Forces to secure the country are the key elements for the achievement," Ban said.

He particularly stressed the need to continue the tripartite forum of Lebanon, Israel and UNIFIL to resolve differences.

"Dialogues are crucial if the Lebanese army is to take on greater responsibilities in UNIFIL's area of operations," he said, calling for more international help to fulfill the military's role throughout the country, as recently emphasized by the Security Council.

Portolano said that facing multiple challenges in south Lebanon, UNIFIL has been curbing the resumption of hostilities.

Earlier this day, Ban reviewed a guard of honor from the uniformed members of UNIFIL. Endit