Manila:Eight Lebanese lawmakers met with Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, to emphasize the necessity of maintaining the United Nations presence in southern Lebanon. The meeting included senior UN officials such as Major General Diodato Abagnara, the Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Hervé Le Coq, Deputy Head of Mission, and Imran Riza, United Nations Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon.

According to National news agency - Lebanon, the discussion focused on developments in southern Lebanon and the future of UNIFIL, especially in light of the imminent expiration of its current mandate. The lawmakers highlighted the need for an effective approach to ensure the UN's continued role in monitoring the situation, observing violations, and contributing to reducing tensions, thereby preserving stability.

The Lebanese lawmakers stressed that any future arrangements must align with United Nations frameworks and relevant Security Council resolutions, respecting Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity. They advocated for supporting the Lebanese state and army in asserting control over all Lebanese territories.

The lawmakers called for urgent international action before UNIFIL's mandate ends, to prevent a reduction in international presence and to protect the affected and occupied areas from the risks of isolation and instability, which could threaten peace in Lebanon and the region.