Press statement of UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti on the withdrawal of Turkish Engineering Construction Company (TURKCOY) of UNIFIL

9 Aug 2013

Press statement of UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti on the withdrawal of Turkish Engineering Construction Company (TURKCOY) of UNIFIL

"On 6 August UNIFIL has been informed by the UNHQ Department of Peacekeeping Operations that the Turkish Government has decided to withdraw the Turkish Engineering Construction Company (TURKCOY) of UNIFIL by the first week of September 2013.

Turkey will maintain its presence in UNIFIL Maritime Task Force where it currently contributes one fast patrol boat and 58 peacekeepers.

Within the overall strength of UNIFIL, there are routine changes in the composition of troops from different contributing countries. This configuration is worked out by the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations in consultation with the troop contributing countries.

This is a constant process in all UN peacekeeping missions whereby troops from certain countries are reduced and other countries increase their participation or new troop contributing countries join. What is important is that in this process the operational capability of UNIFIL is maintained on the ground in order to effectively perform our mandated tasks.

In light of this decision UNIFIL has made adequate preparations to ensure continuity of operations without any interruption. 

The Turkish Engineering Construction Company joined UNIFIL in October 2006 and has since provided UNIFIL with excellent support with its engineering construction capabilities and expertise. TURKCOY has successfully accomplished various tasks, including the construction of roads, building of prefabricated accommodation and infrastructure in UNIFIL’s AO. It has also improved the protection of several UNIFIL bases and contributed to the construction of the UNIFIL Headquarters in Naquora. 

In addition to its role as Engineering Construction Company, TURKCOY has donated computers, generators and other materials to schools and municipalities, as well as undertaken renovation of schools, CIMIC projects and medical check-ups for the people of south Lebanon."