UNIFIL handed over a significant number of assets, including heavy and light vehicles, spare parts, generators and IT equipment, to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) at a ceremony held yesterday in the Mission’s headquarters in Naqoura. 

The event was attended by UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Stefano Del Col, LAF South Litani Sector Commander Brigadier General Maroun el Kobayati representing the LAF Commander, and other senior officials of UNIFIL and the LAF.

Speaking at the gifting ceremony, Major General Del Col said that “UNIFIL strives to support LAF needs in its area of operations” and the activities such as this donation “contribute to the climate of peace and stability foreseen by the implementation of its mandate to protect civilians and prevent conflicts.”

The UNIFIL Head of Mission also reaffirmed UNIFIL’s unwavering commitment to assist the parties to maintain and solidify the cessation of hostilities.

On the occasion, Brig. Gen. El Kobayati presented to Major General Del Col the LAF Memorial Shield in appreciation of the latter’s efforts in supporting LAF and contributing to maintaining security and stability in southern Lebanon.

Yesterday’s donations are a part of the ongoing UNIFIL support, under the framework of LAF Strategic Dialogue plan and in accordance with Security Council resolution 1701 and other relevant resolutions, to the LAF.

Since the signing of the Strategic Dialogue (February 2013), the mechanism by which UNIFIL seeks donor support to ensure LAF capability development in south Lebanon, UNIFIL has donated various resources to the LAF including vehicles, prefabricated buildings, generators, sea containers and computer equipment. This is in addition to the assistance provided by UNIFIL’s Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) on a bilateral basis.