The ceasefire announced Tuesday between Israel and Lebanon will require a “considerable work” to ensure its sustainability, said Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the representative of the United Nations (UN) for Lebanon.
“This crucial agreement marks the starting point of a critical process” to ensure the security of civilians on both sides of the “blue line”, the dividing line between Lebanon and Israel, and “considerable work lies ahead to ensure that the agreement endures”said M.me Hennis-Plasschaert in a press release.
“It is clear that the previous status quo, consisting of applying only selected clauses of resolution 1701 [du Conseil de sécurité] of 2006, while showing façade support for others will not be enough”she insisted. “Neither party can afford a new period of false implementation under the cover of apparent calm”she warned.
Resolution 1701 marked the end of the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. It stipulates that only UN peacekeeping forces and the Lebanese army can be deployed in southern Lebanon. But Hezbollah has maintained a presence in this region and Israel has been carrying out ground operations against the pro-Iranian movement there since September 30.
Mme Hennis-Plasschaert, while congratulating the parties for seizing the opportunity to close this “devastating chapter”called for “concrete actions to consolidate” the announced agreement.
