2015 has just ended and ten years have almost passed from the adoption of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). The security environment in south Lebanon is strategically different today compared to the situation that existed until 2006, thanks to the combined efforts of UNIFIL, LAF and the determination of the people of south Lebanon.

UNIFIL peacekeepers always try to do their utmost to assist and protect the local population. We are proud to work with the Lebanese people to ensure peace and stability in the area.

Safety and security in UNIFIL's area of operations remains our main consideration. In 2015 alone, we carried out an average of 400 activities per day that included patrols conducted in close coordination with LAF and assistance to local communities.

UNIFIL currently has over 10,000 military personnel from 40 troop-contributing countries and around 1,000 national and international civilian staff. Although we are not a humanitarian or development agency, in 2015 we have demonstrated our humanitarian disposition through the implementation of over 12,000 CIMIC (Civil-Military Co-operation) and Civil Affairs activities and projects valued at $3.9 million, approximately.

We conduct small-scale, rapidly-implementable community projects known as Quick Impact Projects (QIP), some of which are sponsored by member states. QIPs are intended to address some of the most pressing needs of the population with the support of local authorities, while strengthening the links between UNIFIL and local communities.

In 2015, 30 QIPs worth $550,000 were implemented for projects such as rebuilding of public infrastructure, rehabilitation of agricultural roads, schools, hospitals, improving access to water/ electricity, reforestation and other environmental projects.

Our free medical-services projects gave medical and dental care to over 55,000 people and veterinary care for around 48,000 animals.

Other community projects included equipping schools for children with special needs, providing technical equipment for educational facilities, supporting agricultural cooperatives in several villages, language and cooking classes, technical guidance on tasks, vocational training and rehabilitation of historical sites.

The accomplishments that we have witnessed and worked on for the last 10 years need to be cherished, nourished and preserved. Peace and security can be achieved only when tangible and concrete efforts are made at improving the living conditions of the people in our area of operations. It remains of paramount importance for us to support the extension of state authority in UNIFIL's area of operations in order to implement our mandate under UNSCR 1701 (2006).

The unremitting support and continued warm hospitality that we have received from the Lebanese authorities, religious leaders and the local communities has been invaluable to us in pursuing our common quest for maintaining peace and security in southern Lebanon.

The economic development and general prosperity that has resulted in the area is amply evident to everyone on the ground. The people of south Lebanon appreciate all this sincere effort and, above all, the unprecedented calm they have experienced since 2006 through the joint efforts of UNIFIL, LAF, Lebanese Security Forces and the strong cooperation with the Government authorities and United Nations agencies in Lebanon.