UN says wants Lebanon stability as end of peacekeepers' mandate looms

A visiting senior United Nations official on Wednesday reaffirmed the body's commitment to stability in Lebanon as the mandate of its peacekeeping force in the country is set to expire this year. The under-secretary-general for peace operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, met officials as well as representatives of countries contributing to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil), which counts some 7,500 personnel from nearly 50 countries. "I thanked them for their critical support to UNIFIL and reiterated the UNs strong commitment to supporting peace and stability in Lebanon," Lacroix said. Under US pressure, the UN Security Council last year voted to end Unifil's mandate on 31 December 2026. Lebanese officials have called for the mandate to be extended.