Naqoura, Lebanon - The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) today paid tribute to the UN staff members who were killed and those injured in the bombing of UN offices in Nigeria.

Head of Mission and Force Commander Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas led the ceremony at UNIFIL Naqoura Headquarters. Together with Director of Mission Support Girish Sinha they laid a wreath in front of two pictures showing the devastation wrought on the UN offices in Abuja last Friday 26 August 2011 from the bombing that caused numerous deaths and injuries. A military band played solemn music as UNIFIL soldiers saluted and civilian staff members stood in silence.

The Force Commander said in a speech that the tragic incident reminds all of the risks undertaken by UN staff members who often work in difficult conditions in order to bring peace and prosperity to people they serve.

As part of honouring the fallen UN staff members, Major-General Asarta said UNIFIL is "determined to make every effort to contribute to the achievement of peace and stability in southern Lebanon."