Lebanese prime minister urges UN to replace FINUL, warns of security gap

During the general debate of the 81st UN General Assembly, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam pressed the United Nations to designate a new international contingent to take over from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (FINUL). He warned that a premature pullout of FINUL would generate a hazardous void in the country's security architecture. Salam expressed gratitude to the UN soldiers serving in Lebanon for their role in preserving stability and assisting the Lebanese Armed Forces.

He referenced resolution 1701, which calls for a cease-fire with Israel and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. The prime minister's appeal underscores Lebanon's reliance on an international peacekeeping presence to prevent escalation.