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UN Demands 'Full Access' for Peacekeeping Mission in South Lebanon

Margaret Besheer

   NEW YORK - The U.N. Security Council on Friday unanimously renewed its
   peacekeeping mission in south Lebanon for another year, as tensions
   rise between Lebanon and Israel.

   "This renewal of UNIFIL was absolutely indispensable and essential for
   the security of Lebanon, Israel and the whole region," said France's
   deputy U.N. ambassador, Anne Gueguen, using an acronym for the U.N.
   Interim Force in Lebanon. "A united council on UNIFIL sends also an
   important, positive message of support to Lebanon."

   The 10,500-strong mission monitors the demarcation line (known as the
   "Blue Line") between Lebanon and its southern neighbor, Israel. It is
   also mandated to assist the Lebanese Armed Forces disarm groups like
   Hezbollah and enforce a U.N. arms embargo against nonstate actors
   receiving weapons.

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