Serra at the End of his Mandate Hails Stability, Calls for Further Commitment to Resolution 1701

Outgoing United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon Commander Major General Paolo Serra said on Thursday that despite the challenges and the sporadic incidents in the South “unprecedented stability was achieved during the past eight years.”

“Both sides (Israel and Lebanon) continue their commitment to the cessation of hostilities even though challenges still remain,” Serra said in an interview with As Safir newspaper at the end of his term.

He pointed out that the situation in the South was relatively calm despite the shaky security situation in Lebanon, downplaying the recent rocket attacks from the South.

“Several rockets were fired against Israel, which is a clear violation of (United Nations Security Council) resolution 1701,” Serra said.

He described the incidents as “very dangerous,” warning that they might “increase tension and prompt Israel to retaliate, which also violates resolution 1701.”

The rocket attacks from the South started amid an Israeli assault on Gaza, which left hundreds of Palestinians dead and wounded.

Serra considered Israel's violations of Lebanese airspace as a further violation of the international resolution.

Israel routinely sends F-16 fighter planes over Lebanon, in violation of a U.N. Security Council resolution 1701 that ended the 2006 war between Hizbullah and Israel. The Israeli planes have often broken the sound barrier over Beirut and other places as a show of strength.

“We were able to contain the situation each time, but the main responsibility is in the hands of the two sides,” Serra said.

Asked if the peacekeeping force is under threat, he said that “all the required security measures are taken and routinely revised in order to evaluate the threats.”

On the international support for the Lebanese army, Serra hailed the military institution, deeming it as “Lebanon's cornerstone.”

“We realize the restrictions imposed on the army's resources and we are exerting efforts to garner the necessary international aid to fortify its capabilities,” the head of the U.N. mission told As Safir.

He pointed out that the army “must handle the complete security situation in the South... This is our goal.”

“This is the reason behind our joint military drills and strategical dialogue,” Serra said.

He denied that the peacekeeping force or the Lebanese Armed Forces intercepted any attempt to smuggle new arms via the UNIFIL's operations area in the Litani river.

Serra said the tripartite meetings held at al-Naqoura crossing between the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon and senior Lebanese and Israeli officials are “essential to guarantee the implementation of resolution 1701.”

Italian Major-General Luciano Portolano, 54, will succeed Serra at Head of the Mission and Force Commander on Thursday.

H.K.

M.T.