Beirut, Oct. 27 (Petra) - Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called on Tuesday for an extension of UN Interim Force in Lebanon's (UNIFIL) peacekeeping mandate through next year, warning that a withdrawal without a replacement would threaten regional stability.
Aoun noted UNIFIL's role in monitoring the border, aiding the Lebanese Army’s deployment to the southern frontier following an Israeli withdrawal, and providing vital humanitarian, social, and medical support to southern villagers.
Should the UN reject the extension, Aoun noted that Lebanon would welcome an alternative European force formed in cooperation with the European Union, partner nations, and the UN.
He added that substitute forces could offer essential technical and logistical support to assist the Lebanese Army and reinforce local communities.
Aoun accused Israel of breaching the Washington-brokered agreement by continuing to bombard southern villages, destroy homes, and bulldoze land. He added that Lebanese diplomatic efforts with the US, as the agreement's sponsor, have yielded no results.
Lebanon is now seeking international support to pressure Israel to end its attacks, withdraw from the south, release Lebanese prisoners, and allow the state to rebuild destroyed towns so displaced residents can return home.
//Petra// HA
