A ten-day US-brokered ceasefire came into effect at midnight Thursday-Friday following 45 days of hostilities between Israel and Hizbullah. To support the efforts leading to a ceasefire, the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, exercised her good offices role through a round of meetings and phone contacts with Lebanese and Israeli officials during the past week.
In Lebanon, the Special Coordinator met with President Joseph Aoun to discuss ongoing efforts to achieve stability for all. With government ministers and security officials, she discussed the importance of implementing an inclusive, whole-of-government approach to extend State authority and create conditions conducive to pursuing long-term solutions through dialogue and diplomacy. Safeguarding Lebanon’s social cohesion and coexistence was also highlighted in meetings that the Special Coordinator had with religious leaders in Lebanon.
