United Nations Radio

United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams met with Prime Minister designate Saad Hariri of Lebanon and Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri on Friday.

UNIFIL peacekeeper

The meeting focused on the process of forming a new government and the recent report of the UN Secretary-General on the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701.

That resolution, adopted in 2006, called for a total cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.

It also deployed peacekeepers of the United Nations Interim Force (UNIFIL) to help Lebanese troops take control of the border area between Israel and Lebanon.

UN Spokesperson Michele Montas says the United Nations Secretary-General is expressing concern about the recent incidents that have taken place in UNIFIL's area of operation.

"The Secretary-General condemns all violations of resolution 1701 and calls for increased vigilance. He urges all parties to continue to act with maximum restraint and to respect the cessation of hostilities and the Blue Line. The Secretary-General expresses particular concern about the firing of rockets from Lebanon into Israel on 11 September and 27 October."

The Secretary-General notes that, four months since legislative elections were held in Lebanon, a new government has yet to be agreed upon and to assume office.

He expresses the hope that the process of consultations led by Hariri will soon result in the formation of a government that will gain the Parliament's confidence.

Gail Walker, United Nations Radio
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