Naqoura: In honour of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, UNIFIL hosted a ceremony at its Naqoura headquarters attended by members of the Lebanese Armed Forces, security services, local political and religious authorities, ambassadors, and UN officials. "The situation along the Blue Line remains tense and unpredictable, with repeated violations and a high risk of miscalculation," Head of Mission and Force Commander Lieutenant-General Aroldo L¡zaro said. "Through our liaison and coordination mechanisms, we offer a channel for dialogue and de-escalation helping to build the foundation for a possible solution".
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, UNIFIL emphasizes the need for a political process in southern Lebanon. Lieutenant-General L¡zaro stated, "The path to peace in southern Lebanon is political. We must all work to create the right conditions for a long-term, sustainable solution." He highlighted the recent significant deployment of more Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) soldiers to the south, asserting that their presence as the sole providers of state authority and security must be preserved, with continued assistance from international partners.
During the ceremony, Lieutenant General L¡zaro and Lebanese Armed Forces Commander representative Brigadier General Nicola Tabet laid wreaths in tribute to fallen peacekeepers. Since 1948, over 4,400 UN peacekeepers have lost their lives on missions worldwide, including more than 330 since UNIFIL was established in 1978. "Today, with solemn respect and deep gratitude, their legacy is etched into the foundation of this mission, and their commitment continues to inspire all of us who wear the blue helmet," said Lieutenant General L¡zaro.
"As we commemorate the 77th anniversary of UN peacekeeping, may we also renew our shared commitment to a more peaceful future, for south Lebanon, for the region, and for all the conflicts where the United Nations tries to bring peace," the UNIFIL head concluded.
In 2002, 29 May was designated as the International Day of UN Peacekeepers to pay tribute to the professionalism, dedication, and courage of the military and civilian peacekeepers serving in UN peacekeeping operations, and to remember those who lost their lives for the cause of peace. The date was chosen to commemorate the establishment of the first peacekeeping mission, the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), whose Observer Group Lebanon members currently work alongside UNIFIL for peace and stability in south Lebanon.