The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) delivered 39 vehicles to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) at a ceremony at UNIFIL's Headquarters in Naqoura on Wednesday 25 August 2010.

Today's transfer, which follows the donation of 24 vehicles in April, is yet another reflection of UNIFIL's continued efforts to enhance the capacity of the LAF to improve security in the south. It also further enhances UNIFIL's close collaboration with the LAF in bringing sustainable peace to southern Lebanon.

UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas highlighted once again that the conditions on the ground have significantly improved and the cooperation between UNIFIL and the LAF has become a "central cornerstone in the implementation of our mandated tasks".

"Our activities could not be implemented without the cooperation of the Lebanese Army, which has demonstrated – time and again – its professionalism and commitment to UN Security Council resolution 1701 working in close partnership with UNIFIL troops," Major-General Asarta said at the ceremony that was attended by Brigadier-General Louis Hanna and Brigadier-General Khalil Msan, LAF Commander in south Litani area.

The UNIFIL Force Commander added that "ultimately, UNIFIL's exit strategy is linked to the ability of the Lebanese Army to sustainably ensure stability in southern Lebanon".

Brigadier-General Hanna relayed LAF Commander General Jean Kahwaji's "deepest feelings of gratitude and appreciation" to UNIFIL Command for the initiative, which he said is "a clear expression of the ties of cooperation and coordination" existing between UNIFIL and LAF.

Brigadier-General Hanna praised the peacekeepers' sacrifices and conduct, saying UNIFIL troops "are characterized by their high level of responsibility, morality and discipline as well as their good behavior toward our compatriots in the south".

The 39 vehicles transferred to the LAF are in good running condition.

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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