The newly appointed United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, on Monday voiced concern over the current developments across the Blue Line, stressing the need to recommit to the UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

“While Lebanon faces challenges on many levels, developments across the Blue Line are of particular concern,” Hennis-Plasschaert said after meeting with Caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib. “Today, we discussed the urgency for the parties to return to the cessation of hostilities and to recommit to the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 to ensure their enduring mutual security. In the coming months, I will be closely engaged with both parties to resolution 1701, our colleagues from UNIFIL, and other Lebanese and international partners to help galvanize momentum towards this end.”

“We also discussed Lebanon’s protracted political deadlock and the need for the election of a new president and fully functional State institutions to lead the country out of crisis and towards sustainable recovery,” she added.

The diplomat noted that the UN has a long history of working with and supporting Lebanon as a trusted partner, stressing her steadfast commitment to continue supporting Lebanon and its people.