04/02/2015 - General Luciano Portolano, Head of Mission e Force Commander of UNIFIL, today directed the periodic so-called '' tripartite '' meeting between the High Representatives of the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Israeli Defense Forces, at the UN post garrisoned by the Italian Blue Helmets of the "Cavalleggeri Guide Regiment (19 °) ”located in Ras Naqoura along the Blue Line.

The main topic of today's discussions was the return to calm and stability in the UNIFIL operations area, in light of the serious accident of the 28 last January. In addition, the participants discussed issues of particular relevance for the implementation of the UN Security Council 1701 Resolution, including the state of the art visualization process on the ground of the Blue Line through the agreed positioning of the pillars "Blue Barrels", The violations, air and land, and the withdrawal of the Israeli Armed Forces from the north of Ghajar.

General Portolano opened the discussion by reporting the message of the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, of deep concern over the sharp deterioration of security conditions in southern Lebanon, urging the parties to refrain from any kind of action that could destabilize the area and operate responsibly to prevent any escalation in an already tense region.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the UNIFIL commander said that "The parties have assured their commitment to use all forms, at various levels, of connection and coordination with UNIFIL, including the tripartite meeting, to preserve stability and prevent any further deterioration of conditions in the Area of ​​Responsibility".

The general also stressed that the situation is currently stable and under control. UNIFIL has intensified the control of the Operations Area, directing its efforts along the Blue Line, especially in the eastern sector and in the Shab'a area and south of the Maritime Operations Area. Furthermore, the patrols in urban centers and the cities were increased counter rocket launching operations, activities carried out, in close coordination with the LAF, for preventive and deterrent purposes, for the control of potentially suitable areas or areas already used for rocket launches.  

The so-called "tripartite" meeting is the only means, recognized by Lebanon and Israel, that have no diplomatic relations, for the discussion of issues of vital importance for the maintenance of the cessation of hostilities and to find common solutions agreement on open disputes along the Blue Line. In the current turbulent regional context, this mechanism is a valuable tool for "confidence building"To deconstruct and to contain any incident or violation that could degenerate into more serious crises.

Source: Unifil MPIO, magg. Fabrizio Farese