Lebanon, Israel discuss border issues

The chief of the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Lebanon said border talks that included Israeli military leaders were constructive. Italian Maj. Gen. Paola Serra, commander of the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon, met near the shared border with Lebanese and Israeli leaders. "Both parties expressed their full support and commitment to work together with UNIFIL for the implementation of the relevant provisions of Resolution 1701, to maintain calm in the area and to prevent incidents and tension along the Blue Line," Serra said in a statement. Israel maintains a defensive posture given the presence of Hezbollah along Lebanon's southern border. Beirut has complained repeatedly to the United Nations that the Israeli military violated its airspace with frequent overflights. U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 secured a cease-fire in a 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel. The measure calls on Hezbollah to disarm while reminding Israel of its obligation to respect Lebanon's sovereignty. The security situation in Lebanon has been tense in recent weeks. Pro- and anti-Syrian militias clashed in northern Lebanon, sparking fears the Syrian civil war could spill into the country.