Borrell Suggests Strengthening UNIFIL's Mandate in Lebanon

On Saturday, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, proposed enhancing the mandate of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, UNIFIL.

Speaking on the sidelines of a G7 defense summit, Borrell stated, "They cannot act independently, their role is certainly limited. Expanding the role can be considered, but that requires a decision by the UN Security Council."

On the social media platform "X," Borrell stressed the need for key steps in Lebanon, including "an immediate ceasefire" and "a stronger mandate for UNIFIL forces."

He wrote, "There is a new political context in Lebanon, full of risks, but it could also lead to changes. The most important thing is the possibility for the country to finally build its full sovereignty, which is undermined by external actors."

He also called for the implementation of "Resolution 1701," which established a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah following their devastating 2006 war.