UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Friday welcomed the Lebanese government's efforts and commitments to exercise sovereignty over its whole territory.

In a press statement, the council members urged the international community to intensify its support to the Lebanese armed forces in order to ensure their effective and sustainable deployment south of the Litani River.

They called on all parties to comply with their commitments under the cessation of hostilities arrangement between Israel and Lebanon of Nov. 26, 2024, as well as with their obligations under international humanitarian law, including regarding the protection of civilians.

They welcomed the willingness of the Lebanese government to delineate and demarcate its border with Syria and its efforts to prevent smuggling.

The Security Council adopted Resolution 2790 in late August to extend the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for the final time before its withdrawal on Dec. 31, 2026.

The resolution calls on Israel to withdraw its forces north of the Blue Line and lift the designated buffer zones north of the Blue Line.

It calls on the Lebanese authorities to deploy to those positions with the time-bound support of UNIFIL and extend the control of the Lebanese government over all Lebanese territory for it to exercise its full sovereignty. ■