BEIRUT, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFL) commander Maj.Gen. Paolo Serra said Wednesday that the continued Israeli occupation of the Lebanese side of the border village of Ghajar has political reasons.

In remarks published in al-Joumhouria newspaper, General Serra said, "the problem of Ghajar is political more than military."

But he added that it is the subject of continued discussions by UNIFIL with the Israeli side.

"I always put it on my agenda and try to pressure (Israel) as much as possible during the tripartite meetings hoping for a solution," Serra told the daily.

UNIFIL has proposed to secure the security in the Lebanese side of Ghajar after the withdrawal of the Israeli army. While Lebanon has approved the plan, Israel continues to procrastinate on its decision.