Date: Jan 30, 2019 Source: The Daily Star Aoun, UN say hope to maintain cooperation BEIRUT: President Michel Aoun Tuesday praised the coordination between his country and the United Nations during a farewell meeting with outgoing acting U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Pernille Dahler Kardel. In a statement, Aoun underscored the cooperation between the two, particularly as it relates “to preserving security and stability on the southern border” with Israel, and he expressed hoped that it would continue. Earlier in the day at Baabda Palace, Aoun had met Kardel, who assumed her role in November 2017 and will be replaced by Slovak national Jan Kubis, whose appointment was announced earlier this month. Kubis most recently served as head of the U.N. Assistance Mission for Iraq, from 2015 to 2018, after holding the same position in Afghanistan from 2011 to 2015. Speaking after the meeting, Kardel released a statement thanking Aoun for the partnership Lebanon had worked to cultivate with the U.N. during her term, and especially Aoun’s role in doing so. “I reiterate the U.N.’s strong commitment to continue working with Lebanese authorities to support Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty and state authority,” Kardel said. “And to help state institutions deliver more effective governance that yields tangible results and benefits for all, and to promote human rights and the rule of law. She praised Aoun for his commitment to the full implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which put an end to the July 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel. She said Resolution 1701 was “such an important element in enhancing stability and to ensure that Lebanon remains on the right course to what is enhanced peace and security.” “We will be continuing to support the work towards a permanent cease-fire between Lebanon and Israel, and as I said towards a full implementation of resolution 1701,” Kardel said. “In my meeting, I also as I have done before, reiterated my appreciation of the President’s desire and commitment to convene a national dialogue to start the discussion around a national defense strategy, which I hope will happen soon.” Kardel also expressed hope that a new government will be formed soon amid the ongoing deadlock, and offered her “gratitude” to Lebanon and the Lebanese people for hosting Syrian refugees.