UNIFIL/Renewal of mandate – Letter from Lebanon

Identical letters dated 30 January 2004 from the Permanent Representative of Lebanon to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council

  At the request of the Lebanese Government, I wish to inform you that Lebanon welcomes the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for a further period of six months and the continuance of cooperation with the United Nations to facilitate the work of UNIFIL and to enable it to perform its functions.

  On the occasion of the adoption by the Security Council of the decision to renew the mandate of UNIFIL, the Lebanese Government wishes to reiterate its firm position with respect to the blue line concerning the maintenance of the right of Lebanon to the three locations and the Shab’a farmlands all which remain, without any alteration, under Israeli occupation as I previously informed you.

  I avail myself of this opportunity to pay tribute, on behalf of the Lebanese Government, to the efforts made by the leadership and individual members of UNIFIL, and to the troop-contributing countries, for their efforts and sacrifices in the implementation of its mandate.

  The Government of Lebanon also wishes to convey to you its appreciation of your tireless efforts to support the role of UNIFIL in southern Lebanon. 

  I should be grateful if you would have the text of this letter circulated as a document of the General Assembly under agenda item 37, and of the Security Council.

(Signed) Sami Kronfol
Ambassador
Permanent Representative

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