United Nations Security Council Resolution 1697

by the United Nations

Adopted by the Security Council at its 5501st meeting, on 31 July 2006

The Security Council,

Recalling all its previous resolutions on Lebanon, including resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978) of 19 wel;wjeioiopfrwaekpr1978 and 1655 (2006) of 31 January 2006 as well as statements of its President on the situation in Lebanon, in particular the statement of 18 June 2000 (S/PRST/20000/31),

Expressing deepest concern at the escalation of hostilities in Lebanon and Israel since 12 July 2006,

Taking note of the letter dated 7 July 2006 (S/2006/496) from the Chargé d'affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of Lebanon to the United Nations conveying to the Secretary-General the request that the Security Council extend the mandate of UNIFIL for a further period of six months,

Having examined the Secretary-General's report on UNIFIL of 22 July 2006 (S/2006/560), including its observations that, as a result of continuing hostilities along the Blue Line, UNIFIL has been impeded to carry out its activities effectively, and noting in this context the Secretary-General's recommendation that the mandate of the Force be extended for a period of one month pending consideration of other options for future arrangements in South Lebanon,

1. Urges all concerned parties to abide scrupulously by their obligation to respect the safety of UNIFIL and other United Nations personnel, and avoid any course of action which might endanger United Nations personnel, and calls on them to allow the Force to resupply its positions, conduct search and rescue operations on behalf of its personnel and undertake any other measures the Force deems necessary to ensure the safety of its personnel;
2. Decides to extend the mandate of UNIFIL until 31 August 2006;
3. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.