Beirut: President of the United Nations Security Council Samuel Zbogar reaffirmed the Council's support for Lebanon's territorial integrity and stability, and the full implementation of the UNSC Resolution 1701. Zbogar, the Slovenian delegate to the UN whose country holds the presidency of the UN body for December, led a UNSC mission to Lebanon where he held "fruitful talks" with President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Foreign Minister Yousef Rajji.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Zbogar urged the Israeli occupation forces and the Lebanese Hezbollah group to uphold the agreement on cessation of hostilities reached on November 16, 2024. He highlighted the significance of the UNSC's visit to Beirut, stating, "We came to Beirut at a pivotal time for the implementation of the cessation of hostilities agreement of November of last year."
Zbogar expressed the Council's support for a state monopoly on weapons, acknowledging the progress achieved by Lebanon this year. He emphasized the Council's commitment to Lebanon's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence, and reiterated the commitment to the full implementation of Resolution 1701 (of 2006) in support of Lebanon's as well as regional security and stability.
Additionally, Zbogar called on the international community to intensify support for the Lebanese army. The UNSC delegation engaged with presentations by Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces Gen. Rodolphe Haykal and Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Maj.-Gen Diodato Abagnara, discussing the political, economic, and security situations in the country.