Graziano says commitment to 1701 needed from all parties
Major General Claudio Graziano, commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), said on Tuesday the continued commitment of all parties to the cessation of hostilities "is one of the most important preconditions for the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701."
"I find to this date that the commitment of all parties remains firm. This is necessary because it is ultimately for the parties to ensure that their respective responsibilities toward the implementation of resolution 1701 are fulfilled," Graziano said during a ceremony for the South Korean contingent held at the southern village of Teir Debba.
"I strongly believe that sustainable peace is achievable in South Lebanon. For this reason I will never cease to reiterate our dedication to the pursuit of our mission by doing our utmost, in close cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces, to ensure stability in our area of operations," he added.
In addition to the international force”s commander, South Korean Ambassador Chan-jin Park, several Lebanese military officials and a number of southern mayors and mukhtars took part in the ceremony.
Graziano praised the South Korean peacekeepers” efforts to provide humanitarian services to the local population, which he said "are witnessed by all of us on a daily basis and have won the hearts and minds of the people."
"The Korean contingent is an elite unit composed of soldiers belonging to Korea”s Special Forces Command," he said. "Despite only having been in UNIFIL for a year, the Korean contingent has been working continuously with great zeal and enthusiasm."
"I feel honored to be here today and to have the opportunity to present the UNIFIL medal to all ranks of the Korean force. This medal is a small token of appreciation and well-deserved recognition of its excellent contribution to peace in Lebanon," he added.
Graziano also recalled the memory of all UNIFIL peacekeepers who lost their lives in the service of peace in the South.
"To those who gave their life for the highest purpose is due our eternal gratitude," he said.
Addressing the South Korean soldiers, he said: "I take this opportunity to extend my deepest appreciation to all of you for the contributions given so far to the mission. In addition to the achievements you have made with regard to the implementation of UNIFIL”s mandate, I know that you have done your utmost to reach out and make a significant impact on the local population. I look forward to seeing your future work and accomplishments in the times ahead."
"I am fully confident in the Korean contingent”s continued commitment to UNIFIL and to their already proven professionalism and dedication," he added.
South Korean commander Colonel Kang Chan-ok vowed to achieve "further success."
"I am proud of all the members of the Korean contingent who are witnessing today the success of their efforts," he said.
The second part of the ceremony included dance performances by local students and martial arts demonstrations by South Korean soldiers.
Meanwhile, a ceremony took place in Marjayoun on Tuesday evening to pay tribute to peacekeepers who were killed in a car bomb attack last year. Six soldiers serving with Spanish UNIFIL contingent died on June 24, 2007, after their vehicle was hit by an explosive device.