Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Luciano Portolano stressed Wednesday that Lebanon and Israel reiterated their commitment "to using liaison and coordination channels" to prevent any further escalation.

According to a statement by the UNIFIL, Portolano chaired a regular tripartite meeting with senior officers from the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) at the UN Position at Ras Al Naqoura crossing.

The statement pointed that in light of the events of January 28, much of the discussion centered on ensuring a return to calm and stability in UNIFIL's area of operations.

In addition to the recent incidents, the participants discussed the implementation of relevant provisions of UN Security Council resolution 1701 under UNIFIL's mandate, including air and ground violations, the ongoing visible marking of the Blue Line and the issue of withdrawal of Israeli forces from northern Ghajar.

On January 28, Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shiite militant party ambushed an Israeli convoy in the occupied Shebaa Farms and targeted two vehicles with ground missiles which resulted in the killing of two Israelui soldiers and the injury of more than 12 others.

Israel retaliated by shelling south Lebanon with more than 200 mortar shells which resulted in the killing of a Spanish soldier in the UNIFIL.

Portolano added that he conveyed the UN Secretary-General message of concern over the serious deterioration of the security situation, to refrain from any action that could undermine the stability of the area and to act responsibly to prevent any escalation in an already tense regional environment.

The Secretary-General urged respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in the region, and adherence to all relevant Security Council resolutions.

The force commander added that the situation in UNIFIL's Area of Operations is now stable and under control. Endit

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