Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has welcomed the UN Security Council's decision to renew the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force in the country, despite the terms not meeting all of the government's demands.
Beirut sought a return to the terms of the 2021 renewal, under which the freedom of movement of soldiers in the UN Interim Force in Lebanon was more restricted than in 2022.
The resolution to extend mandate of Unifil, which patrols the UN-demarcated border between southern Lebanon and Israel, was passed after a compromise was reached between France and the US over the language regarding freedom of movement.
The debate over the renewal of the mandate, which was set to expire on Thursday, centred on whether Unifil had to notify Lebanese authorities before going out on missions.
The final text says “Unifil does not require prior authorisation or permission to undertake its mandated tasks" and that "Unifil is authorised to conduct its operation independently, while continuing to co-ordinate with the government of Lebanon”.
Mr Mikati welcomed the latter clause, saying it "takes into account a key element requested by Lebanon, concerning the role of Unifil to operate "in co-ordination with the Lebanese government”.
“What has been achieved is an essential step to safeguard Lebanon’s rights and sovereignty," he said.
The Security Council resolution also calls for Unifil to be allowed unimpeded access to the UN-demarcated frontier between Israel and Lebanon.
Lebanon's UN representative Jeanne Mrad said the "text unfortunately did not reflect all of our concerns".
"This freedom of movement should be upheld, yes, but also should involve controls," she said.
Hezbollah, the armed group that wields significant influence in south of the country, has faced accusations of impeding Unifil’s access to the area.
The role of Unifil has been a cause of debate on both sides of the border.
Orna Mizrahi, a former deputy national security adviser to the Israeli government, said “Israel is not satisfied with what Unifil soldiers are doing".
"From our perspective they’re not fulfilling their mandate," she said.
“The main purpose of their mandate was to restrict the presence of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The reality today is that Hezbollah is on the border and southern Lebanon is full of weapons."
Unifil, formed initially to ensure the withdrawal of Israeli troops after the invasion of Lebanon in 1978, had its mandate strengthened in 2006 after Hezbollah and Israel fought a month-long war.
Hezbollah has previously condemned any provision that would mean Unifil did not co-ordinate with Lebanese authorities. An official in the Iran-backed group did not respond to a request for comment.
Ms Mizrahi said that “while Unifil troops are not fulfilling their mandate, it’s true that they are helpful sometimes".
"They co-ordinate trilateral co-operation with Israel and Lebanon’s army, for example," she said,
“They can also solve problems and get a close picture of what’s going on the ground.
"They occasionally act along the border and prevent escalation. Their usefulness is a big debate in Israel.
“I think they’re better than nothing. This is the strategy that the government is currently adopting. Rather than saying Unifil shouldn’t be there, it is trying to find ways to improve their mandate."
Last December, an Irish Unifil soldier was killed and three others were injured when their vehicle came under fire in southern Lebanon – but outside of the normal area of operations for the peacekeeping mission.
The attack took place in a Hezbollah stronghold, although the group denies any involvement.
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
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Thank You for Banking with Us
Director: Laila Abbas
Starring: Yasmine Al Massri, Clara Khoury, Kamel El Basha, Ashraf Barhoum
Rating: 4/5
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
PROFILE OF STARZPLAY
Date started: 2014
Founders: Maaz Sheikh, Danny Bates
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment/Streaming Video On Demand
Number of employees: 125
Investors/Investment amount: $125 million. Major investors include Starz/Lionsgate, State Street, SEQ and Delta Partners
Name: Brendalle Belaza
From: Crossing Rubber, Philippines
Arrived in the UAE: 2007
Favourite place in Abu Dhabi: NYUAD campus
Favourite photography style: Street photography
Favourite book: Harry Potter
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