UNIFIL Responds to Misinformation

A statement was issued by the spokesperson of "UNIFIL" stating the following: "In recent days, a significant amount of false and misleading information has been circulating in the media regarding the mandate of UNIFIL. The peacekeepers from the mission continue their commitment to security and stability in southern Lebanon and support the people living here. UNIFIL has always had a mandate to patrol its area of operations, with or without the Lebanese Armed Forces. However, our operational activities, including patrolling, continue in coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces, even when they do not accompany us. Our freedom of movement has been affirmed in the Security Council resolutions that renewed UNIFIL's mandate, including Resolution 1701 in 2006, and the Status of Forces Agreement for UNIFIL signed in 1995. We work closely with the Lebanese Armed Forces on a daily basis, and this has not changed. Facts are important, and we encourage the media and others to consult us directly before publishing incorrect information that could increase tensions between the peacekeepers and the communities we are here to assist."