Beirut – In the framework of activities aimed at helping attain the objectives of Resolution 1701 Beirut hosted a meeting between Major General Luciano Portolano (Head of Mission and Force Commander of UNIFIL), the ambassadors of the P-5 UNSC member countries, the ambassadors of the countries contributing to the UN PKOs in South Lebanon, the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL), and the European Union ambassador to Beirut. The occasion was especially important and fruitful to assess the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, and discuss in particular the Syrian issue and its repercussions on southern Lebanon. The group also discussed and assessed the effectiveness and impact of the UNIFIL Mission within its precise and well-drawn mandate, elaborated in UN Resolution 1701, based on Chapter VI of the UN Charter. Portolano explained and detailed the activities of the last 10 months, carried out under his command by more than 11,000 peacekeepers. (9Colonne)
