Peacekeepers from one of UNIFIL’s oldest troop contributors, the Republic of Fiji, concluded their mission with UNIFIL today.
 
The last batch of UNIFIL’s 134 Fijian peacekeepers serving in south Lebanon departed from their main base near At Tiri today.
 
In his farewell speech to the Fijians on 20 December, UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Stefano Del Col paid tribute to their service and sacrifice in furthering peace in south Lebanon.
 
“You provided an important contribution to the implementation of our mandate… I would like to praise you for your outstanding work, determination and for your contribution, through the years,” said the UNIFIL head.
 
Fijian troops joined UNIFIL soon after its establishment in 1978. The Fijian contingent first pulled out from the Mission in November 2002 although some staff officers continued to serve until April 2003. The new Fijian Contingent again joined the mission in February 2015.
 
Since 1978, a total of 35 Fijian peacekeepers have paid the ultimate price while serving for peace in south Lebanon. In April 1996, their main base in Qana, south Lebanon, was bombed.
 
“Let’s take a moment to commemorate those peacekeepers who lost their life in pursuit of their missions,” Major General Del Col said in his address to Fijian peacekeepers. “We shall keep in mind our fallen comrades in arms, who represent an example of unwavering commitment to UNIFIL and to this country.”