Security Council extends UN force in southern Lebanon until 31 July

The Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for another six months, until 31 July.

In unanimously adopting resolution 1461, the Council condemned all acts of violence, expressed great concern about the serious breaches and the air, sea and land violations of the withdrawal line, and urged the parties to put an end to those violations and abide scrupulously by their obligation to respect the safety of UNIFIL and other UN personnel.

The resolution also reiterated the Council's call on the parties to continue to fulfil the commitments they have given to respect fully the withdrawal line identified by the United Nations. The text supported the continued efforts of UNIFIL to maintain the ceasefire along the withdrawal line through mobile patrols and observations from fixed positions and through close contacts with the parties to correct violations, resolve incidents and prevent their escalation.

The Council also commended the Lebanese Government for taking steps to ensure the return of its effective authority throughout the south, including the deployment of Lebanese armed forces. It called on the Government to continue these measures and to do its utmost to ensure a calm environment throughout the south.