Williams: UNIFIL Attack Highlights Need to Form Govt

U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams stressed on Thursday the urgent need to form a cabinet that can address challenges at the security level.

“Incidents such as the attack on UNIFIL highlight the urgent need for a government in Lebanon that can address challenges at the security level,” Williams said about the roadside bomb that targeted U.N. peacekeepers in the south last Friday.

“I believe quite strongly that the formation of a new government will help alleviate security concerns as well as the social and economic issues,” he said after talks with Premier-designate Najib Miqati.

Williams said he thanked Miqati for strongly condemning the attack on the Italian troops and “for his strong and continued support for UNIFIL.”

The diplomat welcomed Miqati’s renewed expression of commitment to Security Council resolution 1701, which he said must be accompanied by additional efforts with regards to the remaining parts of the resolution.

All parties should respect the U.N.-drawn Blue Line at this volatile time, Williams said.