UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Ms. Sigrid Kaag, today visited the areas of Marjayoun and Hasbaya in south Lebanon, including the area of Shabaa. She was accompanied on her visit by UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major-General Luciano Portolano.
Ms. Kaag met with parliamentarians of Marjayoun and Hasbaya and the mayor of the Shabaa municipality. Discussions focused on the current situation in south Lebanon, including issues related to the presence of Syrian refugees, socio-economic concerns, and recent developments along the Blue Line. “We welcome the Lebanese commitment to resolution 1701,” the Special Coordinator said, “and encourage all parties to make every possible effort to maintain calm across the Blue Line.” The Special Coordinator also took note of the impact of the Syria crisis on the South and the need to increase international support to Lebanon at this time.
Ms. Kaag visited a UNDP-supported women’s agricultural project in Shabaa and a UNIFIL-managed hospital in Marjayoun. “The UN stands with the people of south Lebanon and will continue to support inclusive development and equal opportunities for all,” she said.
The Special Coordinator also visited UNIFIL bases in Marjayoun and in Shebaa, overlooking the Shebaa Farms, where she was briefed by Gen. Portolano and his team about the developments related to resolution 1701 in their area of operation.
The visit comes before Ms. Kaag travels to New York to brief the Security Council on the situation on the ground on 8 July.