UN envoy calls for action to address ‘growing risk of serious escalation’ in Middle East
Tor Wennesland, United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, issued a statement said he had engaged in “important discussions with relevant parties and member states in the region, including Lebanon, Egypt and Qatar, in support of de-escalation in the region”.
“I stress the urgency of addressing the growing risk of serious escalation, which is causing a significant threat to regional stability”, he said. “We have looked at the ongoing efforts to mediate and de-escalate the situation and find ways to prevent the spread of conflict.”
The special envoy “reaffirmed the need for urgent coordinated action to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.”
He stressed that it was important to “act decisively and collectively to address immediate threats and lay the foundation for lasting peace.”
UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix visits the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Peacekeeping chief also calls for de-escalation
In related developments,
The head of the UN peacekeeping agency, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, concluded a four-day visit to Lebanon on Friday – part of a wider mission to the Middle East – where he strongly stressed the need to de-escalate tensions and return to a ceasefire.
In meetings with senior officials, the peacekeeping chief has stressed the risk of further conflagration and called for maximum restraint and an end to the intense gun battles taking place across the Green Line between Lebanon and Israel.
Mr. Lacroix also met with members of the diplomatic corps, as well as United Nations officials and peacekeepers serving in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (United Nations).
Challenging times
During his visit to the UNIFIL Headquarters in Naqoura and its area of operations, UNIFIL Chief of Mission and Force Commander Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro provided Mr. Lacroix with the latest updates on the situation in the area and along the Blue Line. He was also briefed on the mission’s best efforts to prevent further escalation.
“I appreciate the role of the UNIFIL leadership and the peacekeepers in ensuring communication between the parties, minimizing the risk of miscalculation and preventing further escalation during these challenging times,” said Mr. Lacroix.
“Contacts with the authorities on both sides must be strengthened and maintained, encouraging a return to a cessation of hostilities and recommitment to Resolution 1701 as a path toward a lasting diplomatic solution.”
Approved by the United Nations Security Council In August 2006, resolution 1701 was passed to end that year’s war between Israel and Hezbollah. The resolution called for an end to hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon, and the establishment of a demilitarized zone.
“Current events have further demonstrated that this resolution is even more relevant today,” said Mr. Lacroix. “It continues to serve as the appropriate framework for progress towards a permanent ceasefire.”
