Lebanese Army gets 2 metal prefabs, in line with UNIFIL efforts to enhance LAF's capabilities

10 Nov 2011

Lebanese Army gets 2 metal prefabs, in line with UNIFIL efforts to enhance LAF's capabilities

(Press release - UNIFIL transfers 2 prefabricated structures to LAF, 10 November 2011)

Naqoura, Lebanon - The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) today transferred to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) two metal prefabricated structures.

A ceremony to sign over the structures was held at UNIFIL's Headquarters in Naqoura.

Donations by UNIFIL to LAF are in line with UNIFIL's efforts to enhance the operational capabilities of the LAF.

"Today's ceremony is not the first of its kind. As with the donation of vehicles and computer equipment, UNIFIL hopes that these buildings will support operations of the Lebanese Army in the south," UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas said at the ceremony.

Major-General Asarta said that the partnership between UNIFIL and LAF has been a cornerstone in the implementation of the mandated tasks. "I am certain that today's transfer will further enhance our close collaboration in the achievement of our common goal – to bring sustainable peace to southern Lebanon and its beautiful people."

The two structures have the unique feature that it can be dismantled, transported and reconstructed in alternative location.

Since August 2010, UNIFIL has donated 169 four-wheel-drive vehicles and dozens of computer sets to the Lebanese Army. In the biggest yet contribution, France in June 2011 transferred to the Lebanese Army eight VAB Armoured Personnel Carriers which served in the French contingent of UNIFIL.

Also attending today's ceremony were LAF Commander for South Litani Sector, Brigadier-General Sadeq Tlais, UNIFIL Director of Mission Support Mr. Girish Sinha as well as several Lebanese and UNIFIL officers.