Naqoura, Lebanon – The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) today honoured its long-serving staff members on the occasion of the 64th United Nations Day. Force Commander Major-General Claudio Graziano presented certificates to 13 Lebanese staff members who have completed 25 or 30 years of service with UNIFIL.

Major-General Graziano congratulated all the military and civilian personnel who have served in UNIFIL since the establishment of the mission in 1978. "Their professionalism and unwavering dedication to service has been vital for implementation of UNIFIL's mandate," he said.

He was speaking in a ceremony held at UNIFIL Headquarters in Naqoura where UNIFIL peacekeepers were joined by representatives of the Lebanese Armed Forces, Lebanese authorities, NGOs, UN Agencies and the international community to celebrate the UN Day.

The day marks the founding of the United Nations with the entry into force of the United Nations Charter on 24 October 1945.

"All our activities in the service of peace and security in southern Lebanon could not be implemented without the cooperation of the Lebanese Armed Forces," he said. "I therefore wish to particularly thank the Lebanese Armed Forces in recognition of their role as a key partner in the performance of our duties."

Since the establishment of the United Nations there have been a total of 63 peacekeeping operations around the world.

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For further information, please contact Deputy Spokesperson Andrea Tenenti at the
UNIFIL Public Information Office:
Tel.: +961 1 827 068 (office); +961 70910064 (cell)
Fax: +961 1 827 016
Email: tenenti@un.org
View the UNIFIL website:

http://unifil.unmissions.org