Beirut, Nov 15 (IANS): UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Force Commander Maj. Gen. Luciano Portolano has appreciated the Lebanese army for maintaining calm and stability along its border with Israel.

According to a statement by UNIFIL, Portolano discussed the situation in UNIFIL's area of operations in separate meetings with Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam and Speaker Nabih Berri, Xinhua reported.

"I was encouraged to hear from them very strong words of support for UNIFIL and the work we are doing on the ground, as well as reaffirmation of Lebanon's commitment to the implementation of resolution 1701," UNIFIL said.

The UN Security Council Resolution 1701 ended the 33-day war between Hezbollah and Israel in July 2006, and expanded the mandate of UNIFIL which was originally formed in 1978.

Tripartite meetings between UNIFIL and senior Lebanese and Israeli officials are routinely held to discuss developments along the border.