Deputy Secretary-General praises UNIFIL's contribution to peace, security in visit to south Lebanon

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21 Mar 2011

Deputy Secretary-General praises UNIFIL's contribution to peace, security in visit to south Lebanon

(Press release - Deputy Secretary-General visits UNIFIL, 24 November 2011)
Naqoura, Lebanon – United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Asha Rose Migiro visited the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) where she met with Force Commander Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas and the Mission's senior leadership.

At the Mission headquarters in southern Lebanon, Ms. Migiro was briefed about UNIFIL's operations, attended a town hall meeting with the civilian staff members and was hosted by members of the Tanzanian contingent. She also undertook a brief tour by UNIFIL helicopter of the Line of Withdrawal (Blue Line). The Deputy Secretary-General inspected a Quick Impact Project funded by UNIFIL to build three new classrooms for the Naqoura village's only Intermediate Public School which helps provide improved access to education for the local community. In the city of Tyre, Ms. Migiro attended a luncheon organized by the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), under the patronage of Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander General Jean Kahwaji, on the commemoration of Lebanese Independence Day. Major-General Abdul-Rahman Shehaitly, representing the LAF Commander, LAF South Litani Sector Commander Brigadier-General Sadeq Tlais and UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Asarta also attended the lunch. During her visit, the Deputy Secretary-General praised UNIFIL's contribution to peace and security in the area. "UNIFIL's presence aims to help create a window of opportunity for establishing a permanent ceasefire and finding a long-term solution to the conflict," she said. Ms. Migiro lauded the progress achieved in southern Lebanon, noting the respect for the cessation of hostilities and the unprecedented stability as well as the "strong peacekeeping partnership" between the LAF and UNIFIL to maintain the stability. "We could never succeed in our mission without cooperation from our hosts. Here in Lebanon, we benefit from an excellent partnership. Let us celebrate our partnership on this meaningful day of Lebanon's independence. Most of all, let us pledge to do our utmost together so that this country will find lasting peace and prosperity," Ms. Migiro said. The Deputy Secretary-General said peacekeepers' resolve will not waver in the face of challenges and attacks. She recalled the sacrifices of UNIFIL, which lost 293 peacekeepers since its establishment in 1978, noting the losses were the largest in any peacekeeping operation. "The best way to honour their sacrifice is to carry on their work. That is what you are doing with great dedication and professionalism," she said. Ms. Migiro will meet with Lebanese officials in Beirut later in the week, and will also chair the 16th UN Regional Coordination Mechanism for the Arab States. The RCM will have a strong focus on regional preparations leading up to next year's Rio+20 Conference on sustainable development.