Statement by the President of the Security Council [S/PRST/2006/52]

Reiterates its full support for the legitimate and democratically-elected Government of Lebanon, calls for full respect for the democratic institutions of the country, in conformity with the constitution, and condemns any effort to destabilize Lebanon; calls for the full implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) and urges all concerned parties to cooperate fully with the Security Council and the Secretary-General to achieve this goal; reiterates its full support to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon and looks forward to the completion of its deployment early next year as contemplated by the Secretary-General in his letter; expresses deepest concern at the presence in very high numbers of unexploded ordnance in south Lebanon, including cluster munitions; reaffirms the urgent need for the unconditional release of the abducted Israeli soldiers.