UN Interim Force in Lebanon extended for six months by Security Council

The United Nations Security Council today voted unanimously to extend the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for a further six months, through January 2003.

Voicing "great concern about the serious breaches and the air, sea and land violations of the withdrawal line," the Council adopted a resolution urging the parties to put an end to those infringements and to "abide scrupulously by their obligation to respect the safety of the UNIFIL and other UN personnel." They were also called on to ensure UNIFIL full freedom of movement throughout its area of operation.

The Council supported the Force's efforts to maintain the ceasefire along the withdrawal line through mobile patrols and observation from fixed positions and through close contacts with the parties to correct violations, resolve incidents and prevent their escalation.

Reiterating its "strong support" for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries, the Council commended the country's Government for taking steps to ensure the return of its effective authority throughout the south, including the deployment of Lebanese armed forces, and called for a continuation of those measures.

The resolution stressed the need to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on all its relevant resolutions, including 242 and 338, which embody the principle of land for peace.

On the humanitarian situation, the Council welcomed UNIFIL's continued contribution to demining, and encouraged further assistance in mine action while commending donor countries for supporting those efforts.