The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) today donated UN owned equipment and vehicles to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), the Directorate of General Security, Ministry of Interior and the Lebanese Red Cross, at a ceremony held at its Headquarters in Naquora.

Brig. Gen. Elias ALl- Baisari, Directorate of Security, UNIFIL FC Major Gen Paolo Serra and UNIFIL Director of Mission Support Girish Sinha sign for the vehicles and equipment.

The donation, which was approved by the UN Controller on behalf of the General Assembly, included: 58 electronic data processing equipment (computers and scanners), one prefabricated structure and 13 vehicles for the LAF; seven vehicles and one prefabricated structure for the Directorate of General Security and one ambulance for the Lebanese Red Cross Local Committee.

UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Paolo Serra stressed the importance of cooperation and coordination between UNIFIL and LAF, saying the donation is part of efforts to enhance collaboration with the LAF and local partners in line with Strategic Review priorities and recommendations.

Brig. Gen. Nabil Abou Haidar representing LAF, UNIFIL FC Major Gen Paolo Serra and UNIFIL Director of Mission Support Girish Sinha sign for the vehicles and equipment.

Present at the ceremony were senior representatives of the LAF, General Security and the Lebanese Red Cross. Brig Gen. Nabil Haidar representing the LAF, Brig Gen. Elias Al – Baisari representing the Directorate of General Security and Ms. Mouzayan Siklawu Ajami representing the Red Cross addressed the ceremony.

Ms Mouzayan Siklawi Ajwami representing the Red Cross presents a plaque to UNIFIL FC Maj Gen Paolo Serra

This is the first donation of equipment that UNIFIL has made to the Lebanese Red Cross and signifies efforts to enhance relations with the local partners.