The Foreign Ministry stated in a communique that “a written media outlet circulated news today claiming that the caretaker government had abandoned what it termed a demand by the Foreign and Emigrant Minister Abdullah Bouhabib to amend the International Security Council resolution regarding the freedom of movement of UNIFIL, during the upcoming discussion by the UN’s International Security Council on renewing the mandate of UNIFIL forces in August.”
The Ministry said: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants deems it important to clarify the following: there is no demand by Minister Bouhabib, who works in coordination with the Prime Minister and in accordance with government policy and its ministerial statement.”
The Ministry added: “The Ministry continues to rally support and communicate with relevant foreign embassies in Lebanon, and through Lebanese embassies in these capitals, as well as the permanent mission of Lebanon to the United Nations in New York, in order to issue a resolution extending the mandate of UNIFIL that ensures the freedom of movement of UNIFIL in coordination with the government and the Lebanese army, as is practically implemented, to ensure the success of its mission, and to maintain peace and stability in southern Lebanon and the region, in accordance with the known SOFA agreement regulating these forces.”
