BEIRUT, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab emphasized on Wednesday the urgent need for the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in south Lebanon, the National News Agency reported.
"Lebanon is in dire need for the presence of the UNIFIL in south Lebanon amid continuous violations by Israel for Lebanon's sovereignty," Diab said during his visit to the UNIFIL's headquarters in Naqoura.
"We are keen on maintaining high cooperation between the UNIFIL and the Lebanese army to create a secure atmosphere for people in south Lebanon," he added.
The prime minister said Lebanon won't accept any modifications to the mandate of the UNIFIL in the country.
"The United Nations must force Israel to withdraw from Lebanese occupied territories," he said, adding that "Israel continues to violate Lebanon's sovereignty by air, land and sea."
Meanwhile, UNIFIL Chief Stefano Del Col said the UNIFIL's cooperation with the Lebanese army helped in guaranteeing stability in south of Lebanon for the past 14 years.
