In a statement … this is how the Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on the decision to extend to UNIFIL

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates issued the following statement: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates express Lebanon’s great appreciation and gratitude to the UN Security Council for their vote in the interest of the extension of the international forces operating in southern Lebanon (UNIFIL) for another year, as a result of the relevant diplomatic efforts made by the Ministry in coordination with my presidential presidency and the government to preserve the duties of UNIFIL in this sensitive and accurate circumstance that Lebanon is going through In light of the continuous Israeli violations and attacks.

The statement continued: “The ministry thanks all the friendly and brotherly countries that supported the extension decision and strived to secure the consensus on it, especially France, carrying the pen, and the United States of America for their understanding of the Lebanese situation and the importance of the role of UNIFIL in reinstating stability in the south.” The statement added: “The renewal of the mandate granted to UNIFIL and the maintenance of its presence in southern Lebanon is an important step that is accompanied by the great efforts made by the Lebanese state currently to extend its sovereignty and control, restrict weapons in its hands in southern Lebanon and on the entire Lebanese territories. He concluded: “It also emphasizes Lebanon’s adherence to its keenness on the security and safety of the UNIFIL forces and its workers and its appreciation for the sacrifices of its members to preserve the regional peace and security and Lebanon’s gratitude to all the countries that have participated in its duties since its establishment in 1978 and for its history.”