UNIFIL celebrates the 68th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations

UNIFIL peacekeepers during the ceremony to commemorate the 68th anniversary of the United Nations.

UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Paolo Serra saluting the Guard of Honor at UN Day.

UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Paolo Serra laying wreaths at the UNIFIL cenotaph in memory of fallen peacekeepers at UN Day.

Lebanese Armed Forces Brigadier-General Mohammed Janbay laying wreaths at the UNIFIL cenotaph in memory of fallen peacekeepers at UN Day.

UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Paolo Serra delivering a speech at the Mission headquarters in Naqoura at UN Day.

UNIFIL peacekeepers during the ceremony to commemorate the 68th anniversary of the United Nations.

Force Commander Major-General Paolo Serra and Director of Mission Support Mr. Girish Sinha presenting a certificate of recognition to Julio Ghafary for 35 years of service with the United Nations.

Force Commander Major-General Paolo Serra and Director of Mission Support Mr. Girish Sinha presenting a certificate of recognition to Julio Ghafary for 35 years of service with the United Nations.

previous next
24 Oct 2013

UNIFIL celebrates the 68th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations

During this international observance of the UN Day, UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major-General Paolo Serra presented certificates of recognition to 12 Lebanese staff members who have completed 25, 30 or 35 years of service with the United Nations

Marking the anniversary, UNIFIL peacekeepers representing 37 different national contingents held a ceremonial parade. UNIFIL Major-General Paolo Serra and LAF Brigadier-General Mohammed Janbay, representing the LAF Commander laid wreaths at the UNIFIL Cenotaph in memory of the peacekeepers who have laid down their lives in the line of duty in southern Lebanon.

In a speech on the occasion, Major-General Serra said: "One of the fundamental purposes of the United Nations is to maintain international peace and security. For all of us peacekeepers, it is an honour to be part of the collective efforts to maintain security and contribute to peace in south Lebanon."

The Force Commander attributed the success of UNIFIL's mission to the talent and dedication of its civilian and military personnel, and importantly to the cooperation of the Lebanese Armed Forces as well as the support and goodwill UNIFIL has enjoyed from the people of south Lebanon.

"Central to our effort remains the Lebanese Armed Forces, a capable and reliable partner in the implementation of our mandate. This factor of stability gains further importance as we continue to maintain calm along the Blue Line in these highly turbulent times," Major-General Serra said.

"Another source of our strength has been the people of south Lebanon, the bonds we share with them and with the local authorities. We are steadily building on this through the greater involvement of other UN partners and the Government of Lebanon at large in various projects and initiatives that benefit our host population," he added.

The day is observed annually to mark the founding of the United Nations with the entry into force of the United Nations Charter on 24 October 1945.

 

----------------------------------------------------------------

Video Editor: Mohamad Hamze
Video Camera: Mohamad Hamze
Photo: Pascual Gorriz Marcos

----------------------------------------------------------------

 

UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Serra speech