UN Force Holds Talks With Israeli And Lebanese Officials

New York, Feb 23 2012 6:10PM
The head of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon today met with senior officials from the Lebanese and Israeli militaries as part of ongoing efforts to reduce tensions and boost security along the countries’ border.

Major-General Paola Serra, the Force Commander of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), held talks with representatives of both the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) at the UN Position at Ras Al Naqoura crossing.

The meeting focused on discussing additional security measures along the Blue Line in the general area near the town of Kafr Kila, with the aim of minimizing the chance of sporadic tensions or misunderstandings, according to a press statement from UNIFIL.

Major-General Serra, who described the discussions as “very constructive,” said both sides were clearly interested in strengthening security in the area.

“The IDF presented their plan to construct a wall to replace the existing Israeli technical fence. The wall will be on the line where the technical fence is at present,” the statement noted.

“UNIFIL achieved full understanding both with LAF as well as with IDF on the scope and technical details of the works that are to be carried out. UNIFIL’s primary endeavour will be now to enable necessary security during the works and to ensure that there is no violation of the Blue Line in the process.”
Feb 23 2012 6:10PM
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