Beirut: UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix has concluded the Lebanon leg of his regional visit, emphasizing UNIFIL's ongoing role in maintaining stability and advancing the implementation of Resolution 1701 despite recent budgetary constraints, with the mission set to continue until December 2026.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, key highlights of Lacroix's visit, which began on January 5, included a tour of the UNIFIL area of operations, interactions with peacekeepers, and both aerial and ground tours of the Blue Line. He also held meetings with senior Lebanese officials and members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Lebanon.

During his time at the UNIFIL Headquarters in Naqoura, Major General Diodato Abagnara, the head and Force Commander of the UN mission, briefed Lacroix on the mission's work under challenging circumstances and the current situation along the Blue Line.

Lacroix praised the UNIFIL leadership and peacekeepers for their dedication to carrying out mandated tasks under dangerous circumstances, noting that their daily work continues to support regional security and stability despite ongoing risks to their safety.

In Beirut, Lacroix met with senior Lebanese officials, including President Joseph Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, ministers, and chiefs of security entities. He expressed gratitude for their support of UNIFIL and discussed preparing options for the future implementation of Resolution 1701 after UNIFIL's operations cease at the end of 2026, as requested by the Security Council.

Lacroix departed Lebanon for Syria to visit the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) and continue his regional engagements.