SG/2115
22 August 2006
United Nations Delegation Discusses Resolution 1701 in Beirut
BEIRUT, 19 August -- A United Nations delegation today met with Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and other senior Lebanese officials to discuss the means of implementing Security Council resolution 1701 for a long-term ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.
The delegation, which arrived in Beirut last night on a two-day visit, includes Vijay Nambiar, Special Adviser to United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and Terje Roed-Larsen, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the implementation of Security Council resolution 1559.
In addition to Prime Minister Siniora, the delegation also met Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Foreign Minister Fawzi Salloukh, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Elias Murr, and Minister of Interior Ahmed Fatfat.
The resolution issued by the Security Council on 11 August brought about a cessation of hostilities in the month-old conflict, which led to the death of over 1,100 Lebanese and about 150 Israelis.
The delegation was also briefed by General Alain Pellegrini, commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), on the situation in south Lebanon and the ongoing withdrawal of Israeli forces.
The delegation is going to meet with senior Lebanese politicians and members of Parliament on Sunday before leaving for Israel.
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