New York, March 18 (SANA) The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, called on Lebanese authorities to focus on developing a comprehensive roadmap to address the issue of Hezbollah, rather than relying on a regional settlement to resolve its challenges.
According to the UN News Center, Plasschaert said during closed consultations of the UN Security Council on Tuesday regarding the implementation of Resolution 1701 that “this roadmap should not be limited to Hezbollah’s weapons alone, but must also encompass its financial networks and social structure, and should be formulated jointly by all Lebanese state institutions and agencies.”
Plasschaert also addressed Israeli attacks on Lebanon and the resulting civilian casualties, saying that hopes of keeping Lebanon insulated from regional tensions faded after Hezbollah’s March 2 attack on Israel.
She called for “swift and decisive measures” on long-delayed priorities, including a national security strategy, political dialogue among parties, enhanced socio-economic opportunities for marginalized communities, and planning for the post-conflict phase regarding Hezbollah’s fighters.
Plasschaert also stressed the importance of strengthening the Lebanese Army, saying this issue should receive equal priority, and added that the Lebanese people seek stability in their country and region.
The situation in Lebanon has seen dangerous escalation in recent weeks, following exchanges of attacks between Hezbollah and Israel, including intensified Israeli airstrikes and a recent ground incursion into southern Lebanon, resulting in casualties and widespread damage.
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