(Communicated by the Foreign Ministry Spokesman)
Five years ago yesterday, on 24 May 2000, Israel completed a unilateral withdrawal from southern Lebanon. The UN Security Council certified that the withdrawal was in full compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 425. Today, Israel’s primary objective regarding Lebanon remains the same as five years ago - ensuring the security of Israel and its citizens and promoting stability and peace in the region. Israel believes that these goals can be achieved through the full implementation of all relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The Lebanese people, our northern neighbors, who have suffered for so many years, deserve a better future. The important democratic processes occurring within Lebanon with the support of the international community are positive developments for Lebanon and all those interested in strengthening Lebanon’s sovereignty. Another important step towards stability and peace would be the extension of the control of the Government of Lebanon over all of its territory and action to put an end to all attacks emanating from its territory. A sovereign democratic Lebanon living in peace with its neighbors is in the common interest of the Lebanese people and the entire international community.