BEIRUT, Feb 18 (KUNA) -- Lebanon rejected on Tuesday the continued presence of Israeli occupation forces on its territories, as well as all the legal consequences of the occupation according to international legitimacy.
This came in a presidential statement following an extraordinary meeting held at the Presidential Palace that included President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, during which they discussed latest developments on the southern border and the continued violations of the Israeli occupation.
They reaffirmed the unified national position of the Lebanese state, stressing the necessity of the complete withdrawal from the occupied Lebanese territories in compliance with international conventions and UN resolutions, most notably resolution 1701.
They affirmed the role of the Lebanese army and its full readiness and preparedness to assume its duties on the recognized international borders.
The statement announced that Lebanon would address the UN Security Council to demand necessary measures to stop violations of the Israeli occupation and oblige it to withdraw immediately.
Israeli occupation forces withdrew earlier today from the border towns they occupied, while maintaining their presence at five main points along the border.
They entered the Lebanese territory following the expansion of the war last September and throughout that period until Monday, carrying out extensive destruction of building and infrastructure in border areas.
The ceasefire agreement that entered into force on November 27 stipulated the complete withdrawal of the Israeli occupation from southern Lebanon within 60 days; later extended until February 18. (end) ayb.ao