The Daily Star - Lebanon, Israel, UNIFIL meet to discuss 1701 violations - September 14, 2011

BEIRUT: Senior Lebanese and Israeli military officials met Wednesday under the supervision of United Nations peacekeepers, to discuss implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 and the constant incidents on the Lebanese-Israeli border.
The two neighboring countries are technically in a state of war.
Similar to previous tripartite meetings, the officials discussed all major issues related to the implementation of resolution 1701 such as the stability along the border Blue Line and security incidents as well as the issue of withdrawal of Israeli forces the tiny Lebanese village of Ghajar.
U.N.’s Security Council Resolution 1701 brought a halt to hostilities between Lebanon and Israel in the summer of 2006. However, after a month long war between the two sides, Israel kept its grip on and occupation of northern Ghajar.


Following the meeting, UNIFIL commander Maj. Gen. Alberto Asarta said the talks had been constructive, adding that both parties showed a willingness to work with the UNIFIL to maintain cessation of hostilities.
“The continued commitment of the parties to the implementation of resolution 1701, reaffirmed today, is essential for maintaining and building on the unprecedented calm achieved in the area over the last five years,” he said.