House Speaker, Nabih Berri, on Wednesday received at the second presidency headquarters in Ain El-Tineh, US Senator, Markwayne Mullin, with a US parliamentary delegation from both the Republican and Democratic parties, in the presence of US Ambassador to Lebanon, Lisa Johnson, and Speaker Berri’s media advisor Ali Hamdan.
The meeting discussed developments in Lebanon and the region, and the role of the United Nations Interim Force (UNIFIL) operating in southern Lebanon.
During the meeting, Speaker Berri raised the issue of extending the mandate of UNIFIL, which has been operating in southern Lebanon since 1978 in accordance with the UN Resolution 425.
“Its mandate was expanded and the number of its troops was increased in 2006 in accordance wit Resolution 1701. This mandate, which has been in place for years, continues to clash with the Israeli enemy’s refusal to implement international legitimacy. Instead, it continues to wage wars, raids, and violations, not only in the area south of the Litani River, where Resolution 1701 is applied, but also throughout Lebanon.”
Speaker Berri emphasized, “Despite the international efforts exerted, and American mediation in particular, to compel ‘Israel’ to comply with international legitimacy and implement the ceasefire agreement and Resolution 1701 agreed upon in November 2024, we are surprised by counter-efforts by the sponsor himself against Resolutions 425 and 1701, as well as the ceasefire agreement, targeting the presence and mission of the UNIFIL.”
“The five-member mechanism that comprises the UNIFIL is an essential part of its composition and work. It is headed by an American general and deputized by a French general, so how can someone seeking to establish a ceasefire and end the war have his efforts targeted?”
Source: Al-Manar English Website
