Ban: Lebanon, Israel Agree to Discuss Maritime Security
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon revealed on Friday that Lebanon and Israel agreed to discuss issues of maritime security through a tripartite mechanism and the possible assistance of local experts, reported the pan-Arab daily al-Hayat on Saturday.
He made the announcement in a report he presented to the U.N. Security Council.
He added that Lebanon and Israel also agreed to a recent U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon initiative to place markers on disputed areas along the Blue Line.
In addition, Ban asserted that UNIFIL completed its suggestion over security arrangements needed for the Israeli army to withdraw from the northern section of the village of Ghajar.
Furthermore, he said that the international force, along with the Lebanese army, is working on establishing an arms-free zone between the Blue Line and Litani River.
UNIFIL made its proposal on June 25 and it has yet to be officially adopted, he revealed.
The U.N. Secretary General also highlighted Prime Minister Najib Miqati’s recent announcement that the Lebanese government is committed to U.N. Security Council resolution 1701 and maintaining the army’s cooperation with UNIFIL.
Ban concluded the report by advising the Security Council to extend UNIFIL’s mandate for another year.
Its term ends in August.
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