BEIRUT, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Force Commander Major-General Luciano Portolano hailed Friday the role of the Lebanese army in maintaining calm and stability in the south and along the Blue Line in coordination with the UNIFIL.
In a statement by the UNIFIL, Portlando discussed with Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Tammam Salam in separate meetings the situation in UNIFIL's area of operations and issues related to the implementation of UNIFIL's mandate under UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
The UNIFIL commander said "I was encouraged to hear from them very strong words of support for UNIFIL and the work we are doing on the ground, as well as reaffirmation of Lebanon's commitment to the implementation of resolution 1701."
The United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, ended the 33-day war between Hezbollah and Israel in July 2006, and expanded the mandate of UNIFIL which was originally formed in 1978.
Portlando also tackled with the two officials the situation in southern Lebanon in light of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's report on the implementation of resolution 1701 that was deliberated at the Security Council on Wednesday.
He pointed out that he discussed with the two officials the last tripartite meeting held at Ras Naqoura, which "plays an indispensable confidence building mechanism that has proved effective in containing incidents or violations and de-conflicting the situation at critical moments."
The tripartite meetings between the UNIFIL and senior Lebanese and Israeli officials are routinely held to discuss developments along the border.
Portlando hailed the Lebanese army's efforts to maintain calm along the Blue Line and to combat the security challenges that the country is facing.
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