President of the Republic, General Michel Aoun, met the new UNIFIL Commander, Major General Aroldo Lazaro, and an accompanying delegation, today at Baabda Palace.

President Aoun asserted the importance of continuing coordination and cooperation between the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL forces, “To maintain calm and stability in the region”.

The President also wished Major General Lazaro success in his new duties, affirming Lebanon’s commitment to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

Moreover, President Aoun pointed out that continued Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty threaten the stability of south Lebanon.

For his part, General Lazaro had thanked President Aoun for receiving him for the first time as a new UNIFIL Commander.

General Lazaro also pointed out that Lebanon and its people own a special place in his heart, and expressed his commitment to continue and enhance cooperation between UNIFIL and the Lebanese authorities.

In addition, Major General Lazaro emphasized that he will seek to consolidate the strategic partnership with the Lebanese Armed Forces, “Which constitute our primary partner in performing our tasks”.

General Lazaro also reiterated UNIFIL’s commitment to work to secure stability and promote peace in Lebanon and the region.

“One of my priorities is to consolidate channels of communication and coordination with the concerned parties, complete the demarcation of the Blue Line, and enhance the use of the tripartite mechanism, including the resumption of special talks on this line and finding solutions to disputed matters along it” General Lazaro said.

Moreover, Lazaro considered that this would reduce tension, build confidence and secure space in negotiating to a cease-fire and a lasting peace between Israel and Lebanon.

Regarding the consultations held by the Security Council today to discuss the report on the implementation of Resolution 1701, in addition to providing the usual updates on the situation in the UNIFIL area of operations, General Lazaro expressed his gratitude for the position of President Aoun in support of UNIFIL and condemning the attacks on it.

For his part, the President welcomed General Lazaro, and wished him success in his new duties. President Aoun stressed that dealing with incidents that sometimes occur between citizens and UNIFIL takes place quickly, describing these incidents as simple and accidental.

The President asserted the importance of continued cooperation and coordination between the Lebanese army and UNIFIL to maintain calm and Finally, President Aoun reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, pointing out that the continued Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty on land, sea and air threaten the stability of the southern region.

Upon leaving Baabda Palace, General Lazaro wrote the following word in the Record of Honor:

“It is a great honor to pay my first visit to the President of the Republic. I am pleased to thank the Lebanese authorities and the President for their constant expression of support for UNIFIL, especially in the recent period, wishing the continuation and strengthening of relations during my term”.

The President met MP, Mustafa Hussein, and discussed with him political affairs, and parliamentary elections.

Akkar development needs were also addressed.

President Aoun received the Chairman of the “Arab Unitarian Party”, former minister, Wiam Wahhab.

The needs of the Shouf region and a number of life topics related to the needs of people in various fields, in addition to the upcoming elections were discussed in the meeting.