President Joseph Aoun said Lebanon must have a voice in discussions over the future of the United Nations presence in the country, as the Security Council prepares to consider options for maintaining a UN role after the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) expires.

Speaking during a meeting with Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN under-secretary-general for peace operations, Aoun said the situation in southern Lebanon remained complex, with continued military activity severely affecting the local population.

“This meeting comes at an important moment,” Aoun said, stressing the need for Lebanon to be heard in the discussions ahead.

“I believe discussions at the Security Council will now get underway. It is important — indeed, essential — that Lebanon’s voice be heard in this regard, as the country directly concerned by this issue,” he said.

Aoun said Lebanon’s objective was to help restore stability to the country and the wider region while reestablishing its full sovereignty. He added that the United Nations could still play a role in achieving those goals.

The UN secretary-general has presented the Security Council with several options for the possible continuation of the UN presence in Lebanon after UNIFIL’s mandate expires. According to Aoun, those options were developed based on consultations with Lebanese authorities.

He said Lebanon must now actively follow the discussions at the Security Council and work toward an outcome that best serves the country and prospects for regional stability.