Naqoura, Lebanon – The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) today joined the global observance of the United Nations Day (24 October) in a ceremony at its headquarters in Naqoura in southern Lebanon.

UNIFIL's French battalion has commenced phased replacement of its tracked Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) with modern wheeled versions that will reduce noise and be softer on the roads of south Lebanon.

The UN Security Council, acting on the request of the Government of Lebanon, on 30 August 2010 unanimously decided to extend the present mandate of UNIFIL for a period of one year until 31 August 2011.