UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Diodato Abagnara said principles of Security Council Resolution 1701 – adopted exactly two decades ago and which forms basis of UNIFIL’s mandate – remain the cornerstone of efforts to preserve stability in south Lebanon and support peace in the region.

Speaking during a commemorative ceremony at UNIFIL Headquarters in Naqoura, Major General Abagnara said that, in a changing and increasingly complex regional environment, “the principles of Resolution 1701 are more relevant than ever.”