Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has warned that ending the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) would undermine UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and further endanger southern Lebanon.
In remarks to Al-Jomhouriya Lebanese daily, Speaker Berri described the termination of UNIFIL’s mandate as “the greatest mistake” and “the greatest crime” committed against the south, stressing that the force’s continued presence is vital to maintaining security and supporting the Lebanese Army’s deployment up to the international border, as stipulated by Resolution 1701.
“The greatest mistake, the greatest crime committed against the south, is ending UNIFIL’s mandate,” he said.
“This effectively undermines Resolution 1701, whose full implementation is crucial at this stage, alongside the continuation of UNIFIL’s mission.”
The Lebanese speaker also warned of Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon, particularly the bombardment of towns, villages and civilian neighborhoods.
Speaker Berri said the Israeli attacks are not only destroying the south’s urban fabric and making life in many areas impossible, but are also causing “very serious cracks and fissures” in the foundations of buildings and infrastructure.
Source: Al-Manar English Website