I. Introduction
1. This is the eighth report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). It provides a comprehensive assessment of the steps taken to implement the resolution since the previous report of the Secretary-General was issued on 27 June 2008 (S/2008/425). The report also contains proposals for measures that could be undertaken by the parties to move closer to a permanent ceasefire and a long-term solution between Israel and Lebanon.
2. I am pleased to report that all parties continue to express their support for and commitment to resolution 1701 (2006). However, further progress in the implementation of the resolution is increasingly overdue. The parties must make greater efforts to resolve the pending issues described in the present report that hinder a permanent ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel. Achieving this will require the determination and political will of all parties to the conflict, as well as continued strong international support.
3. The political climate in Lebanon has improved in the past months, thanks to the implementation of the elements of the agreement reached by Lebanese leaders in Doha on 21 May. The election of President Suleiman on 25 May, the subsequent formation of a Government of national unity and the launching of a National Dialogue have led to a greater degree of stability in the country.
4. In spite of these positive developments, a number of serious security incidents continued to threaten Lebanon's stability. While Lebanese leaders and institutions have reacted swiftly to contain violence and investigate those incidents, they still constitute a stark reminder of the fragility of the gains made as a result of political agreements.
5. During the reporting period, the political situation in Israel has been marked by a degree of uncertainty. On 28 October, the Knesset agreed that it would dissolve. Israeli President Shimon Peres has called new elections, which will be held on 10 February 2009.
6. The cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon continued to hold and the military and security situation in the area of operations of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) remained generally quiet. The parties continued to respect the Blue Line in general. UNIFIL maintained close liaison and coordination with the parties, through both the tripartite mechanism and bilateral contacts. UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces worked together closely to ensure that the area of operations was not utilized for hostile activities of any kind and was free of any unauthorized armed personnel, assets and weapons.
7. The reporting period saw notable progress with regard to Lebanon's relations with its neighbours that have a direct bearing on the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006). On 16 July, an exchange of prisoners and the remains of combatants killed in action took place between Hizbullah and Israel, bringing an end to a long and arduous negotiation facilitated by the United Nations. On 15 October, Lebanon and the Syrian Arab Republic agreed to establish diplomatic relations, effective immediately, and to work together on a number of issues of common concern, including border delineation and border security.