The French Ambassador to Lebanon Denis Pietton, on behalf of his government, today handed over eight Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) at a ceremony held at the UNIFIL Headquarters in Naqoura.

The APCs were deployed with French troops in UNIFIL and had been returned to French Army control. France decided to release them directly to the LAF. France is a major contributor to the peacekeeping force in south Lebanon since early years of its deployment.

In line with UN Security Council resolution 1701 (2006), UNIFIL has regularly urged countries to assist the LAF through providing equipment and expertise with the aim of enhancing the operational capabilities of its strategic partner in south Lebanon. UNIFIL has on several occasions delivered mainly four-wheel-drive vehicles and other equipment to the Lebanese Army. The delivery of the APCs by France today highlights the significance of the partnership between LAF and UNIFIL.

The ceremony was attended by UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas and Brigadier-General Rifaat Choukor, representing LAF Commander General Jean Kahwagi. Also at the ceremony were the UNIFIL Director of Mission Support, Girish Sinha, and the UNIFIL Chief of Staff, French Brigadier-General Xavier de Woillemont.

The Armoured Personnel Carriers are in good running condition. Related spare parts have also been provided to allow regular maintenance.