Peacekeepers Mark U.N. Day, Graziano Appreciates Lebanese Support
Peacekeepers have observed the annual U.N. Day to commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the founding of the world body and awarded certificates of recognition to long-serving Lebanese staff members of UNIFIL.
The ceremony was held at the UNIFIL headquarters in the border town of Naqoura on Friday.
UNIFIL commander Maj. Gen. Claudio Graziano, senior officers from the Lebanese Armed Forces, representatives from various U.N. agencies and local and international nongovernmental organizations took part in the ceremony.
"Your sense of duty and continued dedication to service represent an example to all of us as we strive to contribute to the establishment of sustainable peace in South Lebanon," Graziano said as a tribute to nine honored Lebanese staff members who have served for more than 25 years with UNIFIL.
The United Nations came into existence officially on October 24, 1945 with the entry into force of the organization”s Charter and since 1948 that date is celebrated as U.N. day.
Peacekeepers representing the 28 different national contingents that make up UNIFIL held a ceremonial parade in Naqoura.
Graziano hailed all those who were killed for the cause of peace.
"Since 1948, there have been a total of 63 U.N. peacekeeping operations around the world, during which over 2,500 peacekeepers have lost their lives while serving the cause of peace," Graziano said. "In its 30 years of existence, UNIFIL has lost 275 peacekeepers in the line of duty."
"Sacrifices will not go in vain," he added. "On the contrary, they urge us to continue seeking peace and stability."
Acknowledging the Lebanese army as a "key partner" to UNIFIL”s mission, he recalled the ultimate sacrifices made by its soldiers, particularly the army de-miners, while serving the people of south Lebanon over the past two years.
Graziano also thanked the Lebanese state, civil and religious authorities and the population for their "big support and cooperation with UNIFIL."
He said the success of UNIFIL”s mission was impossible without the support of the Lebanese people in general and the southerners in particular.