Ambassadors of Member States of the European Union visited today the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Present were the Ambassadors and Representatives of: the European Union, Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Spain. 

The EU Ambassadors were welcomed at UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura by the Force Commander Major General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz. After a mission briefing, they visited a UNIFIL position along the Blue Line, as well as a project in Naqoura, which aims to supply local residents and farmers with underground water resources.

The Ambassador of the European Union, Ralph Tarraf, said: “Our joint visit here is a testament to the European Union and its Member States’ commitment to the work of UNIFIL and the Lebanese authorities in ensuring continued peace, security and stability in South Lebanon.” Ambassador Tarraf further stated that UNIFIL’s mandate has been critical in maintaining the cessation of hostilities, preserving stability along the Blue Line, and supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces. In this context, he acknowledged the significant efforts and contributions made by several European Union Member States to support UNIFIL. 

The EU Ambassadors recalled the necessity for all parties to ensure that UNIFIL personnel are safe and secure and their freedom of movement is fully respected and unimpeded, so that it can fully implement its mandate. They called on the Lebanese authorities to investigate all attacks against UNIFIL and its personnel and bring to justice the perpetrators of those incidents.

During their visit, the EU Ambassadors reaffirmed their commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Lebanon, and stressed the importance of Lebanon advancing the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1701 with the support of UNIFIL.