Security Council calls for more progress in implementing Lebanon resolution

The Security Council today called for greater progress on the outstanding issues needed to reach a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hizbollah in southern Lebanon following their war in mid-2006.

In a presidential statement, Council members reiterated their commitment to the implementation of the Council resolution that ended the conflict and urged all parties in the region “to intensify their efforts” to comply with the text.

That resolution called for, among other issues, renewed respect for the Blue Line separating Lebanese and Israeli forces, the disarming of militias and an end to arms smuggling.

Ambassador Dumisani Kumalo of South Africa, which holds the rotating Council presidency this month, said in today’s statement that the 15-member body “emphasizes the need for greater progress on all the key issues required for a permanent ceasefire and long-term solution.”

He added that the Council gives its full support to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and welcomed its recent enhanced cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). In addition, it urged all parties to abide by their obligations to respect the safety of UN personnel in the area.