Tenenti: Resolution 1701 Guarantees UNIFIL Freedom of Movement in Lebanon

"This is part of our mandate"

UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti commented today on the Srifa incident, saying: "This morning, a group of men in civilian clothes stopped UNIFIL peacekeepers in the town of Srifa, during a planned patrol in coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces. The peacekeepers were able to carry out their planned activity after the Lebanese Army intervened."

He added: "Resolution 1701 gives UNIFIL the authority to move freely and conduct patrols—with or without the presence of the Lebanese army. This is part of our mandate. While we coordinate closely with the Lebanese army, the freedom of movement of our peacekeepers is key to carrying out our assigned tasks."