Jean Arnault, OIC Special Coordinator for Lebanon, toured on Thursday the areas of Srifa, Froun & Zawtar al-Gharbiya in south Lebanon, pilot zones identified in the trilateral framework agreement between Lebanon, Israel and the US. He called for enhanced international support to the Lebanese army, which is trying to lay the foundations to extend state authority and legitimacy in south Lebanon.
Following a moment of silence observed earlier this week at the Beirut port alongside other members of the diplomatic community on the sixth anniversary of the devastating 4 August 2020 Beirut Port explosion, Mr. Arnault expressed solidarity with all those affected and paid tribute to their pursuit of truth, justice, and accountability. He also highlighted the importance of advancing structural reforms to safeguard the independence of the judiciary.
Mr. Arnault also held a round of political meetings, including with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi. Discussions focused on ways to advance the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) and international support as well as areas of cooperation between Lebanon and the United Nations.
