The Head of the UNIFIL mission and Force Commander, General Aruldo Latharo, emphasized the mission's strong partnership with the Lebanese government, announcing that "we work in close coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces, conducting joint patrols with them as well as independently to assist the government in extending its authority over the entire territory of this beautiful country one day." He highlighted the importance of restraint and UNIFIL's role in easing tensions, pointing out that "the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 remains a shared responsibility, and the commitment of the parties is essential for progress towards a long-term solution."
During the celebration hosted by UNIFIL at its headquarters in Naqoura for the International Day of Peace, Latharo stated, "As is clear from our name, we are peacekeepers – we maintain peace, we do not impose it by force. We maintain the peace that gives each party space, and each works to maintain it in its own way. But when this peace is threatened, UNIFIL will be present and ready to assist."
General Latharo stressed the "strong partnership of the mission with the Lebanese government and the Lebanese Armed Forces," noting that "we are here at the invitation of the Lebanese authorities, who have hosted us for more than forty-five years. We work in close coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces, conducting joint patrols with them as well as independently, to assist the government in extending its authority over the entire territory of this beautiful country one day."
He also referred to the "importance of restraint and UNIFIL's role in easing tensions." He stated, "The risk of miscalculation remains, which could endanger the cessation of hostilities and lead us to conflict. Therefore, it is important for the parties to take this into account and to use the coordination and liaison mechanisms we undertake to resolve disputes and ease tensions. The full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 remains a shared responsibility, and the commitment of the parties is essential for progress towards a long-term solution."
Political figures from Lebanon attended the event, including Deputy Speaker of Parliament Elias Bou Saab, representatives from local authorities, religious leaders, the Lebanese Armed Forces, security forces, and UN officials, including the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Joanna Fronzka and members of the international community.
Military officers were awarded the United Nations Peacekeeping Medal in recognition of their participation in the mission's efforts. As is customary, white doves were released at the UNIFIL memorial as a symbol of peace. Additionally, UNIFIL launched a Telegram channel today as an additional platform for people to receive real-time information about the peacekeepers' work.
