Discurso do Representante Permanente, Embaixador Sérgio França Danese, em reunião do Conselho de Segurança sobre a Situação no Oriente Médio - 31 de agosto de 2023 (texto em inglês)

Statement by the Permanent Representative, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, at UNSC Briefing on the situation in the Middle East
August 31st, 2023

Madam President, 

I commend France for its careful work as the penholder in these negotiations. We also thank all Council members for their constructive engagement throughout the process.

As a close friend of Lebanon and proud of its large community of persons of Lebanese descent, Brazil has long been engaged in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and participated in these negotiations with a sense of responsibility and commitment. We fully understand and share the need to keep UNIFIL’s mandate as robust as it is. But in present circumstances we think that the text, as finally proposed by France after a careful negotiating process, in no way weakens UNIFIL’s mandate, as it ensures that the mission will continue to operate in all freedom and with the support and careful attention of the Council. In addition, it addresses some of Lebanon’s concerns, which at the same time, sends a powerful message to that friendly country and its political leadership.

Brazil will continue to lend its unwavering support for the mission. We are steadfast supporters of its crucial activities in maintaining peace and stability in the region, in particular in the current circumstances. And we reaffirm our commitment to Lebanon and its brotherly people.

Thank you.