UN special coordinator welcomes ceasefire agreement between Israel, Lebanon

UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, reported from TASS.

She described the deal as the starting point of a critical process, anchored in the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006), which is aimed at restoring the safety and security for civilians on both sides of the Blue Line.

"Nothing less than the full and unwavering commitment of both parties is required," she said, adding that "implementing only select provisions of resolution 1701 (2006), while paying lip service to others, will not suffice."

Hennis-Plasschaert commended the parties on seizing the opportunity to end this devastating conflict.

"Now is the time to deliver, through concrete actions, to consolidate today’s achievement," the special coordinator concluded.

Earlier, Israel’s war cabinet officially approved the plan of ceasefire in Lebanon. Shortly after, US President Joe Biden announced that, in line with the agreement, Lebanese forces are to regain full control over the country’s territory within 60 days. After that, Israeli forces will be withdrawn and residents will be allowed to return safely to their homes and start rebuilding them.

UNSC Resolution 1701 ended the Israeli-Lebanese military standoff in 2006. It envisages full cessation of hostilities with subsequent withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon’s south, with security guaranteed by the Lebanese armed forces and UN peacekeepers.

www.anews.az