Lebanese Independence Day in Naqoura

Traditional dancers present the dabke and other Lebanese dances to showcase Lebanon’s cultural heritage.

National Staff Union Chairperson (NSU) Abbas Awala shares the message ‘Unity preserves Independence’ at the ceremony marking the 71st anniversary of Lebanese Independence Day at UNIFIL Headquarters in Naqoura on 19 Nov 2014.

Head of Mission and Force Commander Maj-General Luciano Portolano speaks of durable peace and development in his address to the audience.

UNIFIL Force Commander, mission leadership team and representatives for NSU and Lebanese Armed Forces cut the cake to celebrate the occasion.

Lebanese traditional drums set the rhythm for dancers at the celebration of Lebanon’s Independence Day at UNIFIL Headquarters in Naqoura.

UNIFIL staff members gather for a group photograph with the Force Commander at the celebration of Lebanon’s Independence Day.

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19 Nov 2014

Lebanese Independence Day in Naqoura

The 71st anniversary of Lebanon’s Independence was celebrated at UNIFIL Headquarters in Naqoura on 19th November.

The ceremony was attended by the Head of Mission and Force Commander Major-General Luciano Portolano, Deputy Head of Mission Imran Riza, Deputy Force Commander Brigadier-General Tarundeep Kumar, Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) representatives, UNIFIL military and civilian staff members.

The Force Commander expressed his support for Lebanon’s sovereignty. “Today, we continue to work,” he said, “towards making the Lebanese people’s hopes become a reality – to have durable peace and development for the whole country, after too many years of conflict and suffering,”

“I strongly believe that Independence is not only a moment in the past but it represents a bridge for the incoming future.”

The celebrations were marked with playing of the Lebanese National Anthem, traditional dances and a buffet of fine Lebanese cuisine.