New York, 1 September 2022 (TDI): Malaysia’s mission to the United Nations (UN) on behalf of Malaysia welcomed the United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) decision to extend the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate. Additionally, it appreciated the efforts made by UNIFIL in stabilizing the region.

On 31st August UNSC adopted resolution 2650 to extend United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon’s (UNIFIL) mandate by one year.

Resolution 2650

The UNSC adopted Resolution 2650 on 31st August 2022. According to the Resolution, the UNIFIL’s mandate in Lebanon is extended by one year.

The Resolution also demands that the relevant parties guarantee freedom of movement for the Interim Force and cease any restrictions on the movement of its personnel.

The third Cabinet of Najib Mikati as the current Government of Lebanon had requested to extend the mandate. Moreover, the new resolution reaffirms UNIFIL’s mandate under Resolution 1701 (2006) and subsequent resolutions.

According to the resolution, UNIFIL will support and assist the Lebanese Armed Forces with the provision of relevant additional non-lethal materials like food, fuel, and medicine.

UNIFIL

UNIFIL was established in 1978, and its mandate was expanded with Resolution 1701 (2006) after the 2006 war between Israel and Hizbullah. The mission monitors the cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel.

It also supports the Lebanese authorities in keeping the area south of the Litani River free of unauthorized armed personnel, weapons, or other related assets.

Further, it assists the Government of Lebanon in securing borders and other points of entry to prevent the unauthorized entry of arms or related materiel. UNIFIL currently has over 10,000 military peacekeepers from 48 troop-contributing countries, as well as about 800 civilian staff.

UNSC decision to renew the mandate of UNIFIL

The UNSC meeting after adopting the Resolution reiterated its call for the Government of Lebanon to present a plan to increase its naval capabilities. Accordingly, the council wants to decrease UNIFIL’s Maritime Taskforce and transition its responsibilities to the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Furthermore, the Council condemned all violations of the Blue Line. It also called on all stakeholders to cooperate fully with the United Nations and UNIFIL.

Moreover, the resolution called on all States to fully support the establishment between the Blue Line and the Litani River. The area will serve as a place free of any armed personnel and weapons other than those of the Government or UNIFIL.

The Council also urged Israel and Lebanon to support a permanent ceasefire and implement solutions based on resolution 1701 (2006). Moreover, it urged Israel to withdraw its army from northern Ghajar without further delay in coordination with UNIFIL.

Additionally, The Council also reiterated that UNIFIL does not require prior authorization or permission from anyone to undertake its mandated tasks. It announced that UNIFIL is allowed to conduct its operations independently.

It calls on the parties to guarantee UNIFIL’s freedom of movement which also includes allowing announced and unannounced patrols. The Council condemned the harassment and intimidation of UNIFIL personnel, as well as the use of disinformation campaigns against peacekeepers.

Resolution 1701 of UNSC

Resolution 1701 was intended to resolve the 2006 Lebanon War. United Nations Security Council approved the resolution unanimously on 11 August 2006.

This resolution called for the full cessation of hostilities. It also called for the deployment of Lebanese forces to Southern Lebanon. Moreover, the resolution urged the Israeli forces to withdraw behind the Blue Line.

The resolution requested the UN Secretary-General to develop proposals to implement the relevant provisions of the Taif Accords. The resolution also urged Secretary-General to help impose Security Council Resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1680 (2006). Moreover, it urged to impose an arms embargo on Lebanon.

Malaysia on the conflict in Lebanon

Malaysia and Lebanon have enjoyed good relations throughout history. Malaysia aided Lebanon when a massive blast hit its warehouse in Beirut causing great destruction in 2020.

Moreover, one hundred Malaysian soldiers joined the U.N. peacekeeping force under Resolution 1701. The peacekeeping mission has been monitoring a truce between Israel and Hezbollah guerillas in South Lebanon for the past years since 2006.

Additionally, Malaysia has also affirmed to help the peacekeepers in strengthening their work under the newly extended mandate of UNIFIL.

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