UNIFIL today handed over a number of UN-owned assets worth nearly $400,000 to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the LAF Intelligence, at a ceremony in the UN Mission’s headquarters in Naqoura. 

The 366 donated items include computer and information technology equipment, printers, supply items, storage containers, fuel storage tanks, generators, prefabricated accommodations. 

Speaking at the handover ceremony, UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Michael Beary said the UNIFIL support to the LAF and the LAF Intelligence is a “clear and important” demonstration of how UNIFIL is striving to increase the capacity of the Lebanese security bodies in south Lebanon. 

“I sincerely hope that the equipment being donated today will facilitate an increase in the number of joint operations that both UNIFIL and the LAF already take part in, as we strive together as partners and friends, to maintain the cessation of hostilities and provide an environment that will allow the civilian population of south Lebanon to continue to live a normal life,” said Major General Beary. 

Today’s donation – which took place under the framework of the Strategic Dialogue, the mechanism by which UNIFIL seeks donor support to ensure LAF capability development in south Lebanon – is the second such handover by UNIFIL to the LAF and LAF Intelligence this year.

UNIFIL Deputy Force Commander Brigadier General Sandeep Singh Bajaj, who leads the Strategic Dialogue process at UNIFIL, said UNIFIL’s contribution to the LAF and the LAF Intelligence “is a confirmation of UNIFIL’s commitment to support the Government of Lebanon and the LAF for their efforts to implement the tasks mandated in UN Security Council resolution 1701.”

Acknowledging UNIFIL’s support, LAF Brigadier General Mohammed Janbay said that “the most significant” donation received under the Strategic Dialogue process was from UNIFIL. 

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Article: Tilak Pokharel
Video Camera: Mohamad Hamze
Video Editor: Mohamad Hamze
Photos: Aoibheann O’Sullivan
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