UN Special Coordinator Joanna Wronecka held a round of meetings with Lebanese officials this week to brief them on the outcome of her briefing to the UN Security Council on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701. In meetings with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, the Special Coordinator underlined the importance of adhering to Resolution 1701 to shield Lebanon from war and ensure peace and security in the country at a time of regional turbulence and uncertainty. Noting the relative calm that has prevailed across the Blue Line following a pause in hostilities between Hizbullah and Israel since Friday, the Special Coordinator hoped the parties would return to a cessation of hostilities and resume progress towards the full implementation of resolution 1701.

The Special Coordinator underscored the vital role of the Lebanese Armed Forces during this period and the LAF cooperation with UNIFIL in south Lebanon in a meeting with Lebanese Army Commander Gen. Joseph Aoun. The Special Coordinator also discussed with the Ambassador of Qatar, Sheikh Said bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, the regional and international efforts to help protect Lebanon and support its State institutions. In that regard, the Special Coordinator highlighted to all her interlocutors, including Deputy Parliament Speaker Elias BouSaab, the necessity for political leaders to overcome their differences to facilitate the election of a new President and solutions for institutional vacuums that are paramount for Lebanon’s stability.

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