Lebanese President Aoun seeks extension of UNIFIL mandate, open to European alternative force

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that Lebanon wants UNIFIL to continue operating in southern Lebanon as its mandate approaches expiration at the end of December. Aoun said Lebanon would welcome deployment of an alternative European force in cooperation with the UN if the mandate cannot be extended. He added that contacts with Washington are ongoing to halt Israeli attacks, and accused Israel of blocking implementation of the framework agreement and preventing Lebanon from exercising sovereignty to its border.