BEIRUT: Lebanese officials are intensifying diplomatic efforts to preserve an international security presence in southern Lebanon as the UN Interim Force in Lebanon moves toward the end of its mandate.
The future of UNIFIL and security arrangements in southern Lebanon featured prominently in Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s meetings in Rome.
Lebanon is seeking to maintain UNIFIL’s presence until stability is restored, viewing the peacekeeping force as an “international umbrella supporting the Lebanese Army in implementing Resolution 1701.”
If an extension of the mission cannot be secured, Lebanese officials are exploring the possibility of deploying forces from countries that have expressed a willingness to maintain a presence in Lebanon, including Italy, France and Spain.
Such deployments could operate either under direct agreements between Lebanon and the participating states, or through the UN.
