I thank our French colleagues for their leadership in guiding the Council through the process of renewing UNIFIL’s mandate.
The United Kingdom has always been a strong supporter of UNIFIL.
I pay tribute to the tireless efforts of the Mission’s troops and staff, and to the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
The United Kingdom voted in favour of today’s resolution, which allows UNIFIL to operate for 16 months before an orderly withdrawal.
However, it is disappointing that despite the best efforts of the penholder, the Council was not able to make this significant decision on the basis of an evidence-based assessment of the impact on UNIFIL’s withdrawal.
The United Kingdom believes that a premature withdrawal of UNIFIL would risk fostering a security environment that Hizballah can exploit.
That would harm communities on both sides of the Blue Line, and set back efforts for a long-term political agreement.
The decision to end UNIFIL’s mission also comes in the context of a continued Israeli presence in Southern Lebanon and near daily overflights, including airstrikes.
These actions are not conducive to the stability across the Blue Line, and we urge Israel to withdraw its forces and respect Lebanon’s territorial integrity.
We condemn Hizballah’s attempts to maintain weapons outside of state control and agree that the Lebanese state must become the sole security provider in southern Lebanon.
Indeed, we have supported the Lebanese Armed Forces for over a decade.
They have made clear strides but increased international support will be needed to allow them to take ownership of security in the South.
President, nineteen years ago, resolution 1701 established a framework for lasting peace across the Blue Line.
We regret that UNIFIL is set to withdraw before that resolution has been implemented in full.
In that context, we call on all partners to redouble their commitments to creating the conditions required for security, stability and a long-term political solution in southern Lebanon.
