Beirut: President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, on Monday received MP Melhem Khalaf, who headed a parliamentary delegation calling for the extension of the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, following the meeting, MP Khalaf emphasized the necessity of maintaining UNIFIL's presence to avoid any vacuum in the south. This presence is crucial for verifying the Israeli withdrawal, preserving security and stability, and supporting the Lebanese Army in extending state sovereignty.

MP Khalaf highlighted that the petition advocating for this extension has been signed by 86 MPs. Additionally, 20 lawmakers from various political affiliations and parliamentary blocs visited the President. President Aoun emphasized the significance of the issue and briefed the delegation on his efforts at the international level.

Khalaf further mentioned that if extending UNIFIL's mandate is not feasible, an international force must remain in the south in some form. He stressed the importance of continuing to engage with UN Security Council member states and countries contributing to the international force.