King of Spain Visits UNIFIL, 09 February 2010

10 Feb 2010

King of Spain Visits UNIFIL, 09 February 2010

Naqoura, Lebanon - King Juan Carlos I of Spain today paid a visit to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Accompanying the King were the Spanish Minister of Defence Carme Chacon and senior Spanish defence officials.

UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas welcomed the King in UNIFIL's Sector East headquarters in Marjayoun. Also present to receive the King were UNIFIL's Sector East Commander Brigadier-General Casimiro San Juan, Lebanese officials and commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces XII Brigade deployed in the area.

"His Majesty's visit, just days after I assumed command of UNIFIL, is a testament to not just Spain's, but also the international community's, strong support for our mission and commitment to peace and stability in the region," Major-General Asarta said.

The Force Commander briefed the King about UNIFIL's deployment and tasks.

He said UNIFIL was committed to the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and to ensuring security and stability in south Lebanon.

Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas of Spain assumed office as Head of Mission and Force Commander of UNIFIL on 28 January 2010.

During the visit, King Juan Carlos I inspected an Honour Guard at the Miguel de Cervantes UNIFIL base in Marjayoun and presided over a ceremony for fallen peacekeepers.

Spain currently has about 1,100 troops in UNIFIL. The peacekeeping mission has about 12,100 military personnel, including about 600 serving in the Maritime Task Force, from 30 countries. The civilian component of UNIFIL numbers more than 300 international and some 700 national staff.

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