UNIFIL Observes Peace Day, Graziano Reiterates Commitment to Stability in the South
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon Commander, Maj.-Gen. Claudio Graziano, on Wednesday reiterated UNIFIL”s determination to make every effort to contribute to peace in southern Lebanon.
"I think that this day is the appropriate occasion for all of us to reiterate our determination to make every effort to contribute to the achievement of sustainable peace in southern Lebanon," Graziano said on the occasion of International Day of Peace.
He reviewed an honor guard from peacekeepers representing the 31 different national contingents that make up UNIFIL. He, together with Lebanese Armed Forces South Area Commander Brig.-Gen. Maroun Khreisch, laid wreaths at the UNIFIL cenotaph in Naqoura.
The ceremony included a photo exhibition depicting the activities of UNIFIL contingents, which also featured a selection on UNIFIL”s female peacekeepers.
Addressing the gathering, Graziano said that UNIFIL, as part of the United Nations family, works for peace by doing its utmost in ensuring the cessation of hostilities as well as assisting in bringing security and stability to southern Lebanon.
The force commander stressed "the importance of our continued close cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces," noting that southern Lebanon has been largely peaceful since UNIFIL”s expansion and deployment of the Lebanese army in the area in 2006.
"For us in UNIFIL and for the Lebanese people, this day takes on a particular meaning as UNIFIL symbolizes 30 years of joint efforts towards lasting peace, stability and prosperity in southern Lebanon," Graziano said.
He paid tribute to the 303 UNIFIL peacekeepers who lost their lives in the line of duty since 1978, including 22 since the 2006 expansion of the peacekeeping force.
Also present at Wednesday”s ceremony were local authorities, religious leaders, representatives of the Lebanese Armed Forces and the international community.