Serra Says UNIFIL Focused on its Tasks, Appreciates Commitment to 1701

UNIFIL Commander Maj. Gen. Paolo Serra said Tuesday that he thanked President Michel Suleiman for Lebanon's strong commitment to U.N. Security Council resolution 1701 despite many challenges.

Following a meeting with Suleiman at Baabda Palace, Serra said: “ I expressed my appreciation for the strong commitment to resolution 1701 that Lebanon has demonstrated in the face of the multitude of challenges it has been dealing with.”

“I assured the President of UNIFIL's keen sensitivity to the prevailing situation that underlines the importance of remaining focused on our mandated tasks so that the regional turbulence does not intrude on south Lebanon,” he said.

Serra stressed that UNIFIL troops are determined to stand by Lebanon and shoulder to shoulder with the Lebanese Armed Forces in their joint effort to maintain stability south of the Litani river.

“The continued commitment of both the parties to the cessation of hostilities and their willingness to work with UNIFIL in addressing any emerging concerns is most vital for sustaining the security architecture along the Blue Line that has so far endured very testing times,” he said.

Serra added that Suleiman appreciated the critical role UNIFIL is playing in south Lebanon and reiterated his full support for the mission's operations in coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces.