20 July 2023
United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka and United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix today briefed the Security Council on the latest report of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006). The report covers the period from 21 February to 20 June 2023.
Discussions at the Security Council covered the recent tensions along the Blue Line between Lebanon and Israel and the need for both parties to prevent and avoid any actions that have the potential for rapid escalation. Special Coordinator Wronecka echoed the appeals of the Secretary-General “to all parties to fully implement resolution 1701, to cease (the) violations, and to respect the cessation of hostilities.”
The Special Coordinator emphasized the critical importance of resolution 1701 to the security and stability of Lebanon, Israel and the region and of moving forward on outstanding commitments that remain for both parties. “We should move towards resolution 1701, not away from it. The full implementation of resolution 1701 remains our primary raison d’être,” she said.
Overviewing the situation in Lebanon, the Special Coordinator reiterated the need for Lebanon’s political leaders to expedite the election of a president as a starting point towards reactivating state institutions and kickstarting the recovery process.
The nearly nine month-long vacuum “is undermining Lebanon’s ability to address the country’s multifaceted crisis by exacerbating the erosion of state institutions, while also prolonging Lebanon’s return to recovery,” she said.
The Special Coordinator also noted the protracted socio-economic and financial crisis in Lebanon and its harmful impact on the Lebanese people. She said progress was needed to implement comprehensive and equitable reforms in line with the requirements of the International Monetary Fund.
Despite the political stalemate and the deteriorating socio-economic conditions, the Special Coordinator voiced reassurances that the security situation in Lebanon largely remained under control and commended the role of the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces in that regard.
Two weeks prior to the third anniversary of the deadly Beirut Port explosion, the Special Coordinator reiterated the UN’s calls for the Lebanese authorities to follow through on an impartial, thorough, and transparent investigation. She underlined the importance of an independent and efficient judiciary as a backbone for the prevalence of the rule of law, justice, and accountability.
In conclusion, the Special Coordinator underlined the commitment of the United Nations to continue supporting Lebanon and the Lebanese people.
Link to the Report of the Secretary-General on Resolution 1701