The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) on Sunday welcomed Resolution 1701 of the UN Security Council on Lebanon.

Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, OIC secretary general, expressed hope in a statement that the resolution will help restore security and stability in Lebanon and the international community will play an active role in the reconstruction of Lebanon and in assisting the displaced to return to their homes.

He also criticized the delay in the adoption of such a resolution by one month, and condemned Israel's relentless military operations in Lebanon, which have persisted despite the adoption of the resolution.

He urged Israel to implement the resolution and put an end to its attacks against Lebanon.

The resolution urges Israel to expeditiously withdraw its forces behind the Blue Line in order to coincide with the deployment of the Lebanese army and an expanded UN force in Lebanon, while calling on Lebanese Hezbollah to halt attacks on Israel.