UN chief calls on Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territory during visit to Beirut

At a press conference held in Beirut at the end of his two-day visit to the country, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory by an agreed deadline.

"It is now essential that the Israeli Defence Forces withdraw from Lebanese territory and simultaneously deploy the Lebanese Armed Forces throughout southern Lebanon within the agreed timeframe," Guterres said.

"The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon must be respected and the Lebanese state must have full control of weapons throughout Lebanese territory," He added.

He stressed the importance of implementing UN Resolution 1701 in all its dimensions.

"The United Nations - including through the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon and UNIFIL - is committed to supporting the parties in upholding their obligations under Resolution 1701 and ensuring that the cessation of hostilities is sustained," He said.

"This would create a platform for the full implementation of the resolution and its ultimate goal, a permanent ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel," He remarked.

Responding to a question about guarantees of the ceasefire in Lebanon, Guterres said he was confident that the agreement reached between Hezbollah and Israel would be respected.

He called on both sides to ensure that their ceasefire commitments are met, adding that the newly created mechanism should be used to address outstanding issues.

The UN chief also pledged to support Lebanon throughout its reconstruction.

"Working with the Lebanese authorities and partners, the UN will intensify its support for recovery and reconstruction throughout Lebanon." he said.

Guterres also praised UNIFIL troops in Lebanon, saying they had carried out more than 730 missions in close cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces and facilitated their redeployment to more than 50 positions.

He added that UNIFIL also facilitated 39 humanitarian missions in coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces, the Lebanese Red Cross, various UN entities and NGOs.

CMG/ gnews - RoZ