Tenenti Issues Statement Following Aaitit Clashes
'This morning, several individuals in civilian clothes blocked UNIFIL peacekeepers on a planned patrol near Wadi Jilou. The activity had been previously coordinated with the Lebanese Armed Forces, in support of Lebanon's implementation of resolution 1701.
While the situation was initially calm, the individuals soon began throwing stones at the peacekeepers, who were forced to disperse the crowd with smoke to protect themselves from harm.
The LAF arrived at the scene and the situation was brought under control.
As the Lebanese government and army have made clear, peacekeepers can move independently in south Lebanon in performance of their duties to restore security and stability under resolution 1701. They do not need to be accompanied by Lebanese soldiers.
Any attack on peacekeepers is a serious violation of international law and resolution 1701. We have requested that the Lebanese authorities bring the perpetrators to justice.
We will continue impartially monitoring and reporting on violations of 1701, as mandated by the Security Council and requested by the Lebanese government.'
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