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