Secretary-General visits UNIFIL outposts

The Security Council’s primary concern has been to support the restoration of the territorial integrity, full sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon.

Most recent

On 2 June 2008, the UN Security Council adopted resolution 1815, extending the mandate of the UN Independent International Investigation Commission by six months until 31 December.

On 22 May 2008, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Presidential Statement, congratulating all parties on the achievement of the Doha agreement, and calling for its implementation in its entirety.

Background

The Security Council passed resolution 1559 on 2 September 2004, which expressed concern at the continued presence of armed militias in Lebanon, and called for the disbanding and disarmament of all militias, both Lebanese and non-Lebanese, for the withdrawal of foreign forces from Lebanon, and supported the extension of the control of the Government of Lebanon over all Lebanese territory. The Council also declared its support for a free and fair electoral process to elect a new President for Lebanon. In supporting implementation of resolution 1559, the Secretary-General appointed a Special Envoy, Terje Roed Larsen. The Secretary-General reports to the Council twice a year on the implementation of resolution 1559. His seventh such report was placed before the Council on 21 April 2008.

Resolution 1680 of 17 May 2006 reiterated the Council’s call for the full implementation of resolution 1559 and strongly encouraged the establishment of full diplomatic relations and representation with Lebanon, and delineation of a common border with Lebanon, and urged both Lebanon and Syria to make further efforts to this end through bilateral dialogue. The Council also called on the Governemnt of Syria to take measures against movement of arms into Lebanese territory and for further efforts to disarm and disband all militias.

Following conflict between Lebanon and Israel, beginning on 12 July 2006 and lasting some four weeks, and intense diplomatic activity at the UN to bring hostilities to an end, the Security Council adopted resolution 1701 on 11 August 2006, which called for a full cessation of hostilities. A formal ceasefire came into place on 14 August 2006.

The Council agreed in resolution 1701 to enhance its peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The Council decided that UNIFIL would, in addition to its original mandate, monitor the cessation of hostilities; accompany and support the Lebanese armed forces as they deploy throughout the south of Lebanon; and extend its assistance to help ensure humanitarian access to civilian populations and the voluntary and safe return of displaced persons.

Originally, UNIFIL was created by the Security Council in 1978 to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, restore international peace and security and assist the Lebanese Government in restoring its effective authority in the area.