UN welcomes ceasefire that will require “considerable work”
The ceasefire announced Tuesday between Israel and Lebanon will require a “considerable work” to ensure its sustainability, said Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, United Nations (UN) representative for Lebanon.
“This crucial agreement marks the starting point of a critical process” ensure the safety of civilians on both sides of the “blue line”, the dividing line between Lebanon and Israel, and “There is a lot of work ahead to ensure that the agreement lasts”said m.me Hennis-Plasschaert in a press release.
“It is clear that the status quo ante, consisting of applying only selected clauses of resolution 1701 [du Conseil de sécurité] 2006, although showing support for others will not be enough.he insisted. “None of the parties can afford a new period of false implementation under the pretext of apparent calm”he warned.
Resolution 1701 marked the end of the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. It stipulates that only UN peacekeepers and the Lebanese army can be deployed in southern Lebanon. But Hezbollah has maintained a presence in this region and Israel has been carrying out ground operations against the pro-Iran movement there since September 30.
METROme Hennis-Plasschaert, while congratulating the parties for taking the opportunity to close this “devastating chapter”asked “concrete actions to consolidate” the announced agreement.
