S/PV.5867 Security Council

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. After consultations among the members of the Security Council, I have been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council: “The Security Council recalls its resolution 1773 (2007), as well as the statements of its President on Lebanon, and welcomes the reports of the Secretary-General of 30 October 2007 (S/2007/641) and of 28 February 2008 (S/2008/135). “It reiterates its commitment to the full implementation of all provisions of resolution 1701 (2006) and reaffirms its strong support for the efforts of the Secretary-General in this regard. “The Security Council takes note of the progress, as well as of the concerns expressed by the Secretary-General, regarding the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) and emphasizes the need for greater progress on all the key issues required for a permanent ceasefire and long-term solution, as referred to in the Secretary-General’s reports. “It also calls upon all concerned parties, in particular in the region, to intensify their efforts in implementing resolution 1701 (2006), including by fully cooperating with the Secretary- General in this regard. “The Security Council reiterates its full support for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and calls on all parties to abide by their obligations to respect the safety of United Nations personnel. It welcomes the further enhancement of the cooperation between UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces. “It stresses the importance of and the need to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on all its relevant resolutions, including its resolutions 242 (1967) of 22 November 1967 and 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973.” This statement will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/2008/8. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The meeting rose at 3.15 p.m.