NNA - Hervé Ladsous, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, on Tuesday confirmed that the UNIFIL shall pursue its mission in South Lebanon.



Ladsous's words came in the wake of a meeting with House Speaker, Nabih Berri, in the presence of UN Secretary General Representative in Lebanon, Derek Plumbly.



"I have confirmed to Berri the International Society and United Nation's keenness on preserving peace in Lebanon," the foreign diplomat said.



As to the nature of his visit to Lebanon, Ladsous said it aimed at closely inspecting the performance of UNIFIL in South Lebanon, especially with regard to the implementation of international resolution 1701.



Ladsous voiced satisfaction with what he described as tangible progress in South Lebanon.



"The citizens are building their houses hundreds of meters away from the blue line. This is an indicator of trust in the work of UNIFIL, in coordination with the Lebanese Army," he said.



Separately, Berri had an audience with visiting U.S. diplomat, Philip Gordon -- the White House Special Assistant and Coordinator for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf Region -- over most recent developments at the local and regional scenes.


==============R.H.