Speaking at a meeting of the UN SecurityCouncil (UNSC) on July 22, Tra expressed her concern over violations and noprogress in the implementation of Resolution 1701.
She appealed to concerned parties toseriously observe the resolution, respect the freedom of movement of the UNInterim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and create conditions for the mission tofully occupy positions as required in a timely manner.
Tra also called on the parties torespect sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon, stop violations ofLebanese airspace, withdraw from occupied areas in the north of the Blue Line,coordinate with the UNIFIL and refrain from acts and statements that wouldincrease tensions.
Vietnam backs the UNIFIL’s operationsand stands ready for discussions at the UNSC to extend the mandate of the forcein the time ahead, she affirmed.
At the meeting, Vietnam and other UNSCmember countries expressed their concerns over challenges facing Lebanon in allspheres, and spoke highly of the operations of the UNIFIL in the country.
UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon JoannaWronecka, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, andUNIFIL Force Commander Stefano Del Col briefed the council on the situation inLebanon, the UNIFIL’s operations and the implementation of Resolution 1701.
Adopted in August 2006,the resolution calls for the full cessation of hostilities, the deployment ofLebanese forces to Southern Lebanon, parallel withdrawal of Israeli forcesbehind the Blue Line, strengthening the UNIFIL to facilitate the entry ofLebanese forces in the region and the establishment of a demilitarised zonebetween the Blue Line and the Litani River. /.