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STORY: LEBANON / PEACEKEEPERS DAY
TRT: 05:44
SOURCE: UNIFIL
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH / NATS
DATELINE: 29 MAY 2023, NAQOURA, SOUTH LEBANON
1. Various shots, UN Peacekeepers, Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), parade, flags, ceremony attendees
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Major General Arnold Lazaro, Head, Force Commander, United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL):
“The idea of peacekeeping was proposed 75 years ago, in the aftermath of one of the greatest conflicts in history.”
3. Various shots, Lazaro and LAF Forces Commander representative Brigadier General Rodolph Haikal laying the wreath, memorial gifts, ceremony attendees
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Major General Arnold Lazaro, Head, Force Commander, United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL):
“Over 75 years, more than two million people have served under the un flag. In UNIFIL’s 45-year existence, hundreds of thousands of men and women – wearing the uniform of the military have come through the doors of our headquarters and positions here in south Lebanon, including about 11,000 serving right now. All have been committed, in their different and personal ways, to the goal of peace. On this day, we recognize their contributions, accomplishments, and, most of all, their sacrifices.”
5. Med shot, ceremony attendees
6. SOUNDBITE (English) Major General Arnold Lazaro, Head, Force Commander, United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL):
“As peacekeepers, our role is to create the space for a political solution between the parties to emerge. Our role is to reduce tensions and prevent the kind of physical conflict that would interfere with resolving the very real political disputes.”
7. Med shot, ceremony attendees
8. SOUNDBITE (English) Major General Arnold Lazaro, Head, Force Commander, United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL):
“We rely on our partners in government, civil society, religious orders, and communities to support us in this. And we rely on our strong relationship with the Lebanese Armed Forces and security agencies, with whom we work each and every day, to maintain the calm and stability necessary for the success of our mandate.”
9. Med shot, ceremony attendees
10. SOUNDBITE (English) Major General Arnold Lazaro, Head, Force Commander, United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL):
“To my fellow peacekeepers, I thank you for your commitment and your sacrifice today and every day. To our friends, who are our guests today, thank you for your support and your commitment to the cause of peace. Happy international day of united nations peacekeepers. May this 75th anniversary bring us closer to a day when peace prevails in south Lebanon and around the world.”
11. Pan left, ITALBATT Band and the Choral of Association of Martyr Lt. Col Sobhi Al-Akouri
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) marked today (29 May) the International Day of UN peacekeepers during a ceremony at its headquarters in Naqoura, south Lebanon.
Addressing the ceremony, Major General Lázaro said, “In UNIFIL’s 45-year existence, hundreds of thousands of men and women – wearing the uniform of the military have come through the doors of our headquarters and positions here in south Lebanon, including about 11,000 serving right now. All have been committed, in their different and personal ways, to the goal of peace. On this day, we recognize their contributions, accomplishments, and, most of all, their sacrifices.”
Initially, UNIFIL was created by the Security Council in March 1978 to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, restore international peace and security, and assist the Lebanese Government in restoring its effective authority in the area.
The mandate had to be adjusted twice due to the developments in 1982 and 2000.
Following the July/August 2006 crisis, the Council enhanced the Force and decided that in addition to the original mandate, it would, among other things, monitor the cessation of hostilities, accompany and support the Lebanese armed forces as they deploy throughout the south of Lebanon; and extend its assistance to help ensure humanitarian access to civilian populations and the voluntary and safe return of displaced persons.
329 peacekeepers who have lost their lives serving UNIFIL.
