As part of UNIFIL support to the state entities in south Lebanon, particularly during these exceptionally challenging times, recently the French peacekeepers conducted a joint training with Civil Defense firefighters of Tyre. UNIFIL’s cooperation with the Lebanese Civil Defense, that carries out firefighting, search and rescue activities across the country, dates back to 2008 and has encompassed a plethora of support interventions ranging from equipping of the existing Civil Defense facilities to facilitation of joint exercises and training courses.
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277 - Salam from the South – Civil Defense Firefighters Train with French Peacekeepers
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276 - Salam from the South – Peacekeepers Day Amidst Adversity
Each year, on May the 29th, UNIFIL commemorates the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. It's a day dedicated to recognizing the dedication and sacrifices of the women and men who serve tirelessly for peace across the globe. Traditionally, the mission organizes a gathering at its headquarters in Naqoura, bringing together peacekeepers, national and local officials, as well as members of the Lebanese Armed Forces and other security agencies. However, this year, due to the security situation and the ongoing exchanges of fire in the south, the mission did not hold a physical event. Instead, UNIFIL's Head of Mission and Force Commander, Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro, addressed the peacekeepers serving in south Lebanon.
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275 - Salam from the South – Question Time with Andrea Tenenti
In this episode of “Salam from the South”, UNIFIL Spokesperson Andrea Tenenti will provide a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in south Lebanon, and the role the mission is playing during the current crisis in de-escalating the situation.
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274- Salam from the south - Extending a Helping Hand to the Local Community
Over the past 46 years, since UNIFIL was deployed in south Lebanon in 1978, the mission and its peacekeepers have developed strong bonds with the communities in which they live and work. Amidst recent exchanges of fire along the Blue Line starting October the 8th, UNIFIL has consistently urged the parties to respect their commitments under resolution 1701 and has maintained its operational activities aimed at lowering tensions and preventing escalation. Furthermore, UNIFIL has been actively assisting the local community with medical, dental, veterinary, and educational support, as well as other kinds of assistance, while ensuring humanitarian access to the most affected. UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro continually stresses the vital importance of addressing the needs of local communities during these difficult times.
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273- Salam from the south - Question time with UNIFIL Deputy Spokesperson Kandice Ardiel
UNIFIL Deputy Spokesperson Kandice Ardiel sits down with Salam from the South to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in south Lebanon.
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272- Salam from the south - UNIFIL Freedom of Movement
Since the exchanges of fire began along the Blue Line on October 8th, the situation has drastically changed in south Lebanon. And after 17 years of unprecedented stability, UNIFIL peacekeepers now operate under very different and more difficult conditions than before. But still, they are performing their mandated activities under UN Security Council Resolution 1701 to restore security and stability along the Blue Line and prevent the outbreak of a wider and more devastating conflict. Peacekeeping patrols are a critical part of this. UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lázaro says ensuring peacekeepers’ ability to move within their area of operation is essential for the effective implementation of UNIFIL’s mandate.
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271 - Salam from the south - Peacekeeping in a Crisis: Ghanaian Peacekeepers
Our trip began on a Monday morning in Naqoura, as we make our way to a base home to Ghanaian peacekeepers in Al Qawzah, southwestern Lebanon, along the Blue Line. The road, once bustling with activity, now lies deserted. All we meet was destruction in the distance as we pass through Alma Shaab, Dhaira, Yarin, and Al Bustan. We arrive at the peacekeeping base, where Lieutenant Colonel Frank Agyeman, the Ghanaian battalion Commander, greets us outside his office. Fortunately, the morning saw a decrease in the exchanges of fire along the Blue Line. It is not always the case.
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270 - Salam from the South - Half a year of crisis in south Lebanon
More than six months have passed since the exchanges of fire along the Blue Line began. Since then, the lives of thousands of people have changed drastically. The south has witnessed destruction, deaths, injuries, and large-scale dislocation of the population. And people already facing challenges because of the economic crisis continue to suffer. UNIFIL Chief of Staff Brigadier General Cedric du Gardin has seen the immense transformation in south Lebanon after 17 years of unprecedented calm and stability, as this is the fifth time that he has served with UNIFIL.
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269 - Salam from the South - Question Time with Andrea Tenenti
In this episode, we will sit down with UNIFIL Spokesperson Andrea Tenenti to bring you the latest updates about recent developments in south Lebanon. He will give us insights into the latest incident involving peacekeepers from the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), UNIFIL’s continued patrolling activities amid the increase of tension along the Blue Line, as well as the relationship between UNIFIL peacekeepers and the people in south Lebanon since October 8th.
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268 - Salam from the South - Communicating to restore stability
When the 2006 war ended and the Security Council enhanced UNIFIL’s mandate with resolution 1701, there was a clear need for a bridge between Lebanon and Israel, since they do not talk to each other directly. On 11 December of that year, in a Tripartite meeting, a Liaison and Coordination Arrangement was agreed by UNIFIL, the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Israel Defense Forces. Since then, UNIFIL has acted as a mediator between the two sides, and UNIFIL’s Liaison Branch became part of this mechanism. Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro, UNIFIL’s Head of Mission and Force Commander, acts as an interlocutor himself and guides the mission’s overall liaison efforts.