The event was attended by UN Under-Secretary for Peacekeeping Operation Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka and UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Force Commander Maj. Gen. Stefano Del Gol, who briefed the UNSC on the situation in Lebanon, UNIFIL operation and the implementation of Resolution 1701 (2006).
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, welcomed the establishment of a government in Lebanon but voiced concerns over the country’s multifaceted crises despite the new government’s efforts.
If Lebanon’s current diplomatic row with Gulf states cannot be solved soon, it would worsen the challenges the country is facing and negatively affecting the regional situation, Quy said, urging regional states and organisations to help ease the way for Lebanon to surmount its difficulties.
He called on Lebanon to put forth reforms and well prepare for the National Assembly election as planned in 2022.
The Vietnamese diplomat also showed worry about the lack of progress made towards the implementation of Resolution 1701, urging all stakeholders to strictly observe the resolution, respect the UNIFIL’s right to freedom of movement and facilitate its full and timely access to areas of interest.
Adopted in August 2006, Resolution 1701 calls for the full cessation of hostilities, the deployment of Lebanese forces to Southern Lebanon, parallel withdrawal of Israeli forces behind the Blue Line, strengthening the UNIFIL to facilitate the entry of Lebanese forces in the region and the establishment of a demilitarised zone between the Blue Line and the Litani River.
