LOC23:30
20:30 GMT
UNITED NATIONS, March 25 (KUNA) -- Alain Le Roy, Under Secretary-General
for Peace Keeping Operations, on Thursday expressed hope that Israel will
allow the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to eventually open an office in
Tel Aviv for better flow of information and cooperation.
"It's true that UNIFIL has requested to open an office in Tel Aviv to
increase the flow of information and cooperation. So far, we didn't have a
positive answer but we will keep asking because we consider it is important
for the work of UNIFIL to have the best relation with both sides as it has
been the case in the past," Le Roy told a press conference.
"We already have good cooperation with both sides but having an office in
Tel Aviv would improve that relation," he added.
UNIFIL was created by the Security Council in March 1978 to confirm Israeli
withdrawal from Lebanon, restore international peace and security and assist
the Lebanese Government in restoring its effective authority in the area. Its
mandate had to be adjusted on a number of occasions due to developments on the
ground, the latest after the 2006 Israeli war on Hezbollah.
Following the summer 2006 war, the council enhanced the Force's mandate by
allowing it to monitor the cessation of hostilities, accompany and support the
Lebanese armed forces as they deploy throughout the south of Lebanon, and
extend its assistance to help ensure humanitarian access to civilian
populations and the voluntary and safe return of displaced persons. (end)
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