Graziano says sustainable peace in south possible
Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Major General Claudio Graziano stressed Tuesday that sustainable peace can be reached in south Lebanon.“I strongly believe sustainable peace is achievable in southern Lebanon. I, therefore, wish to reiterate our full commitment to extend all necessary support to the government of Lebanon and the Lebanese Armed Forces, and to spare no efforts to help bring peace and stability to southern Lebanon,” he said
“The continued commitment by all parties toward the successful implementation of Resolution 1701 will be vital in this regard,” Graziano added, in reference to the 2006 resolution, which put an end to the summer 2006 war with Israel.
The commander of the peacekeeping force was speaking during a medal parade held by UNIFIL’s French contingent at its base in the southern village of Tiri, near Bint Jbeil.
Graziano explained that over the past months, the security situation has remained largely calm “due to the close cooperation between UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces and the unconditional support by the people of southern Lebanon.”
“Yet,” he added, “many challenges still lie ahead, and a lot remains to be done before UNIFIL’s mandate is successfully fulfilled.”
On Friday, two rockets from Lebanon struck northern Israel, prompting Israeli artillery to shell the fruit groves from which they were fired.
No casualties were reported on either side in the attack, the third this year.
A militant group claiming links to Al-Qaeda said on Monday that it was behind the firing of rockets.
The French contingent’s medal parade honored the soldiers of the French Battalion, the Quick Reaction Force and the Engineering Detachment.
“We are gathered here to salute the professionalism and dedication in striving toward peace and stability in southern Lebanon of French peacekeepers,” Graziano said.
“France’s steadfast support to ensure a stable Lebanon is closely linked to the two country’s common history,” he added.
According to Graziano, the French soldiers’ commitment in Lebanon dates back to 1978 when UNIFIL was first established. “Since then, 28 French soldiers have lost their lives – the ultimate sacrifice in our efforts to establish sustainable peace in southern Lebanon,” he said.
“Their courage will always be honored and remembered. We pray for them and for all other peacekeepers who gave their lives for the accomplishment of our mission, to rest in peace,” he added.
Graziano explained that for four months, the soldiers of the French Battalion, the Quick Reaction Force and the Engineering Detachment have accomplished “their often very challenging tasks with a great sense of professionalism, perseverance and enthusiasm.”
“Together with the other UNIFIL components and in cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces, they have provided a vital contribution to the implementation of our mandate within the framework of resolution 1701,” he said.
The French contingent’s Quick Reaction Force, with its robust response capability, regularly conducts deployment exercises. The Engineering Detachment, meanwhile, participates in the clearing of mines and unexploded ordnances throughout UNIFIL’s entire area of operations – from Naqoura to Ghajar and from the Blue Line up to the Litani River.
UNIFIL’s force commander said that in performing its Blue Line monitoring tasks within its area of operations the French Battalion has “always responded with great attentiveness and extended valuable assistance and support for the population of southern Lebanon.”
“I have no doubt France will remain committed to UNIFIL’s mission, and will pass on to future generations of peacekeepers the key to their success: discipline, familiarity with the situation and a respectful attitude toward our hosts,” he added.