The UN Security Council approves the extension of the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon for one year

On August 28 local time, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution to extend the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for one year until August 31, 2025.

UNIFIL was established in accordance with Resolution 425 adopted by the UN Security Council in 1978. In 2006, after the conflict between Lebanon and Israel, the Security Council adopted Resolution 1701, deciding to expand the mandate of UNIFIL and increase the deployment of troops to maintain security in southern Lebanon. At present, UNIFIL has more than 10,000 officers and soldiers from 48 countries.

After the vote, Geng Shuang, deputy permanent representative of China to the United Nations, said that China welcomes this decision of the Security Council. Geng Shuang pointed out that this resolution reaffirms the Security Council's clear political commitment to supporting a comprehensive cessation of hostilities and achieving a permanent ceasefire, and sends out a clear political signal of stopping the cycle of violence and calling for peace and stability. Against the background of the continuous escalation of tensions between Lebanon and Israel, this resolution is particularly necessary and important. Geng Shuang emphasized that all principles established in Security Council Resolution 1701 must be observed and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon must be respected. China is willing to continue to support UNIFIL in performing its duties together with the international community.

This approval by the Security Council to extend the mandate of UNIFIL reflects the international community's attention to maintaining peace and stability in the Lebanese region and also provides strong support for UNIFIL to continue to carry out peacekeeping operations in the region. UNIFIL has made great contributions to maintaining peace and stability near the "Blue Line" and in the region in the past. It is expected that it can better perform its duties in the future and play a greater role in promoting regional peace and development.