MOSCOW, February 2. (RIA Novosti) Moscow is of the opinion that the extension of the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon will contribute to achieving peace in the Middle East, RIA Novosti was told at the department of the press and information of the Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday.
The UN Security Council was unanimous in adopting Resolution No. 1525, which extended the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon until July 31, 2004.
The document censures all acts of violence and violations committed by the sides in the area of the so-called Blue line separating Lebanon and Israel. The UN Security Council called on the sides to refrain from any moves capable of leading to new aggravation of tensions and fulfil their commitments.
"We are proceeding from the fact that the extension of the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon which plays an important stabilizing role in the region will contribute to achieving this goal," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
