Asked by: Danny Kruger (Conservative - East Wiltshire)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his international counterparts on Hezbollah’s non-compliance with UN Resolution 1701.
Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The announcement of a ceasefire agreement to end hostilities between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah offers hope. The UK was the first G7 country to call for an immediate ceasefire in September and we have worked relentlessly since, with our allies and partners, to apply pressure to end this conflict. We strongly urge all parties to use this agreement to open a pathway to a lasting peace. A long-term political settlement, consistent with UN Security Council resolution 1701, is the only way to restore security and stability for the Lebanese and Israeli people. The UK will continue to support the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon's (UNIFIL) essential role in maintaining peace along the Blue Line and the Lebanese Armed Forces, as the only legitimate military force in Lebanon.
The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have spoken to counterparts from Israel, Lebanon and the US in recent weeks. Any deliberate attack against UNIFIL contravenes International Humanitarian Law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701. UNIFIL plays an essential role in Southern Lebanon and all parties must ensure freedom of movement for UNIFIL personnel.