Security Council resolution 1496 (2003) [on extension of the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)]

Decides to extend the present mandate until 31 Jan. 2004; reiterates its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries; calls on the parties to ensure UNIFIL is accorded full freedom of movement in the discharge of its mandate throughout its area of operation as outlined in the Secretary-General's report; reiterates its call on the parties to continue to fulfil the commitments they have given to respect fully the withdrawal line identified by the UN to exercise utmost restraint and to cooperate fully with the UN and UNIFIL; condemns all acts of violence, expresses great concern about the serious breaches and the air, sea and land violations of the withdrawal line, and urges the parties to put an end to these violations and to abide scrupulously by their obligation to respect the safety of UNIFIL and other UN personnel; requests the Secretary-General to continue consultations with the Government of Lebanon and other parties directly concerned on the implementation of this resolution and to report thereon to the Council before the end of the present mandate as well as on the activities of UNIFIL and the tasks presently carried out by the UN Truce Supervision Organization.

Adopted unanimously, 4802nd meeting

2 p.

Issued in: Resolutions and decisions of the Security Council, 1 August 2002-31 July 2003 - S/INF/58 - (SCOR, 58th year).