(Naqoura, Lebanon - UNIFIL marks United Nations Day, 24 October 2011)

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) today celebrated the 66th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations in a ceremony at its headquarters in Naqoura.

During this global observance of the UN Day, UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas presented certificates of recognition to eight Lebanese staff members who have completed 30 years of service with UNIFIL.

UNIFIL peacekeepers representing 36 different national contingents held a ceremonial parade. Among those attending were senior officers of the Lebanese Armed Forces, Lebanese authorities, as well as representatives from various international organizations, NGOs and UN agencies.

In a speech on the occasion, Major-General Asarta recalled the universal values that underlie the global mission of the United Nations and UNIFIL's role in southern Lebanon in this context.

"On this day, let us all pledge to stand firmly united by the ideals that led to the creation of the United Nations 66 years ago and which today, in our changing world, remain an anchor of hope to achieve lasting peace, security and development for all mankind," he said.

The Force Commander hailed the UNIFIL peacekeepers, civilian and military, who have worked relentlessly towards the accomplishment of the mission's mandate and paid tribute to those who lost their lives serving the cause of peace with UNIFIL and to peacekeepers all around the world.

He noted that cooperation of the Lebanese Armed Forces has been central to the implementation of UNIFIL's mandate, as also the support, cooperation and goodwill extended to UNIFIL by the people of south Lebanon.

The day is observed annually to mark the founding of the United Nations with the entry into force of the United Nations Charter on 24 October 1945.

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For further information, please contact the UNIFIL Public Information Office:
Spokesperson Neeraj Singh: +961 1 827 681; +961 70918500 (cell); email: singh60@un.org
Deputy Spokesperson Andrea Tenenti: +961 1 827 068; +961 70910064 (cell); email: tenenti@un.org
Fax: +961 1 827 016