UNITED NATIONS, April 24 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomes the three-week extension of the current 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel to enable dialogue between the two countries, his spokesman said Friday.
Guterres "urges all actors to fully respect the cessation of hostilities, to cease any further attacks, and to comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, at all times," said Stephane Dujarric in a statement.
The UN chief reaffirmed the support of the United Nations to all efforts to end hostilities and alleviate the suffering of communities on both sides of the Blue Line, the statement said, referring to a border demarcation line between Lebanon and Israel established by the world body in 2000.
In the statement, the secretary-general reiterated his call on Hezbollah and other non-state actors to abide by the decisions of the Lebanese government to extend its authority throughout its territory and to advance the exclusive control of arms by the state. Guterres also called on Israel to withdraw completely from north of the Blue Line, in full respect for Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The UN chief expressed hope that the extension of the ceasefire will contribute to ongoing efforts toward a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region, said the statement.
On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the current 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon would be extended by three weeks. ■
