New York (VNA) – Ambassador Le Luong Minh, Vietnamese representative to the UN Security Council, emphasised the immediate need for ceasing all acts of violence in Lebanon and resolving remaining disputes by peaceful means.

At a UNSC meeting in New York on July 9, Ambassador Minh welcomed the commitment of all related parties to the full implementation of Resolution 1701, their enhanced cooperation with UNIFIL to maintain stability and security, and the efforts to initiate dialogues between Lebanon and neighbouring countries in border control, delineation and demarcation, as well as positive political developments in Lebanon since the signing of Doha Agreement.

The ambassador, however, expressed concerns about the challenges which may exert unpredictable implications on the implementation of Resolution 1701, including the continuation of targeted attacks against Lebanese civilians and UNIFIL personnel, Israel’s air violations and continued occupation of the village of Ghajar, the lack of technical strike data of Israeli cluster munitions, the unresolved status of Shabaa Farms as well as the issue of prisoner exchange.

He urged all parties concerned to build on the momentum of national unity, reconciliation and cooperation to further assert Lebanon’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability, and contribute to an improved political and security environment in the region.

“We support efforts undertaken by Lebanon in advancing the political process and establishing the national unity Government. We urge all parties in Lebanon to exercise utmost restraint, fully abide by the provisions outlined in the Doha agreement, and search for compromise solutions with a view to promoting the country’s political stability, socio-economic development, and regional and international integration,” said the Vietnamese representative.

The ambassador also affirmed Vietnam ’s continued support of the full implementation of Resolution 1701, especially with regard to the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon , protection of assets and livelihood of civilians, and safety and security of international peacekeeping and humanitarian personnel, thus helping to achieve a long-term solution to Middle East conflicts.

The same day, Ambassador Minh in his capacity as the UNSC Chairman delivered a press release condemning the attack on military and police vehicles of the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) on July 8.