United Nations: We have options for continuing our presence in Lebanon after the end of the "UNIFIL" mandate
The UN Secretary-General presented options to the Security Council regarding the future of the UN presence in Lebanon after the end of the UNIFIL mandate at the end of 2026. A UN official stressed during his visit to Beirut the importance of considering the Lebanese position and enhancing stability in the south, noting that the field situation remains complex.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres presented options to the UN Security Council regarding the future of the UN presence in Lebanon after the end of the UNIFIL mandate at the end of 2026. This came based on what the international organization heard from the Lebanese authorities. Meanwhile, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, visited Beirut and met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the presidential palace east of the capital. Lacroix stressed during the meeting the importance of taking Lebanon's position into account during the upcoming discussions in the Security Council, as it is the party directly concerned with the issue. He indicated that the international organization is aware of Lebanon's position, including its letter requesting an extension of the UNIFIL mandate for a temporary period. Lacroix confirmed that the field situation in southern Lebanon remains complex, amid continued military activities and the severe impact on the population. He stressed that any step in this framework must contribute to enhancing security in the region, and that the goal of the international organization is to support efforts aimed at restoring stability and full Lebanese sovereignty. The statement did not mention the nature or details of the options he referred to.