Thursday, December 15, 2011

UNIFIL Press Statement on Tripartite Meeting, 15 December 2011

The Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas, today chaired a regular tripartite meeting with senior officials from the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) at the UN Position at Ras Al Naqoura crossing.

During the meeting issues relating to implementation of the relevant provisions of UN Security Council resolution 1701 were discussed, including the explosive attack against UNIFIL peacekeepers of 9 December, the recent rocket launching incidents on 29 November and 11 December, the 2 December explosion in the vicinity of the town of Srifa, other violations and the situation along the Line of Withdrawal (Blue Line).

Following the meeting, Major-General Asarta stated:"The attack against UNIFIL, combined with the two incidents of rocket firing and two explosions in Tyre, constitute serious security breaches in the south Litani area in violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006)."

"I also emphasize that it is the parties' responsibility to prevent violations of resolution 1701 (2006), including ground violations, air violations and the presence of unauthorized armed personnel in the area of operations. We have excellent cooperation with the LAF who are our strategic partners on the ground. We are taking concrete measures together with the LAF to further reinforce security across our area of operations while efforts continue to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of these attacks."

Both parties expressed their full support and commitment to work together with UNIFIL for the implementation of the relevant provisions of Security Council resolution 1701 and to prevent any potential escalation of the situation, he added.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

UNIFIL Commander meets Lebanese officials, urges "effective investigation" into incidents

(Press Statement - UNIFIL Force Commander meets Lebanese leaders, 14 December 2011)

Beirut, 14 December 2011- UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas paid a visit to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Najib Mikati to discuss the situation in UNIFIL Area of Operation in view of the recent incidents involving serious security breaches in southern Lebanon.


The Force Commander shared with the Lebanese leaders the strong condemnation and serious concern over the explosive attack against UNIFIL and the rocket firing from Lebanese territory.

"Recent violent actions were aimed at undermining the stability and peace that has prevailed in the last five years in southern Lebanon. Such acts not only aim to cause harm to the peacekeepers but also endanger the safety of the local population and the security of the south. Those who carried out these attacks must not be allowed to achieve their goals."

Major-General Asarta urged "an effective investigation into these incidents, so that the perpetrators of those attacks against the Mission and the security and stability of the south are identified and brought to justice."

UNIFIL remains focused on its mission to fulfill the mandate under UN Security Council resolution 1701, together with the Lebanese Armed Forces, the Force Commander said. In addition to its tasks, UNIFIL has the safety and well being of the population as a top priority.

The Force Commander discussed in his separate meetings with PM Mikati today and Speaker Berri on Tuesday the way forward in preventing any further escalation in the south, praising the Lebanese Armed Forces for their excellent cooperation in that regard.

"As the host country, the Lebanese government has the primary responsibility for ensuring security of UNIFIL and we work closely with the Lebanese authorities in this regard There is clearly a need for further enhancing security control in the area to prevent further attempts at undermining peace and security in the south." Major-General Asarta stressed.

"The recent incidents showed that despite all the efforts made by UNIFIL and LAF there continue to be weapons and hostile armed elements in the area of operations in violation of one of the most important provisions of UN Security Council resolution 1701," he said.

UNIFIL Commander meets Lebanese officials, urges "effective investigation" into incidents

(Press Statement - UNIFIL Force Commander meets Lebanese leaders, 14 December 2011)

Beirut, 14 December 2011- UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas paid a visit to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Najib Mikati to discuss the situation in UNIFIL Area of Operation in view of the recent incidents involving serious security breaches in southern Lebanon.


The Force Commander shared with the Lebanese leaders the strong condemnation and serious concern over the explosive attack against UNIFIL and the rocket firing from Lebanese territory.

"Recent violent actions were aimed at undermining the stability and peace that has prevailed in the last five years in southern Lebanon. Such acts not only aim to cause harm to the peacekeepers but also endanger the safety of the local population and the security of the south. Those who carried out these attacks must not be allowed to achieve their goals."

Major-General Asarta urged "an effective investigation into these incidents, so that the perpetrators of those attacks against the Mission and the security and stability of the south are identified and brought to justice."

UNIFIL remains focused on its mission to fulfill the mandate under UN Security Council resolution 1701, together with the Lebanese Armed Forces, the Force Commander said. In addition to its tasks, UNIFIL has the safety and well being of the population as a top priority.

The Force Commander discussed in his separate meetings with PM Mikati today and Speaker Berri on Tuesday the way forward in preventing any further escalation in the south, praising the Lebanese Armed Forces for their excellent cooperation in that regard.

"As the host country, the Lebanese government has the primary responsibility for ensuring security of UNIFIL and we work closely with the Lebanese authorities in this regard There is clearly a need for further enhancing security control in the area to prevent further attempts at undermining peace and security in the south." Major-General Asarta stressed.

"The recent incidents showed that despite all the efforts made by UNIFIL and LAF there continue to be weapons and hostile armed elements in the area of operations in violation of one of the most important provisions of UN Security Council resolution 1701," he said.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Press Statement - Lebanese Army Commander visits UNIFIL, 12 December 2011

UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas today received the Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Jean Kahwagi at UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura.
 
Their meeting focused on the situation in southern Lebanon in view of the recent incidents and discussed ways to better coordinate the joint efforts of UNIFIL and the LAF in order to further enhance security control in the area.

Major-General Asarta renewed his condemnation of the attack against a UNIFIL vehicle near Tyre on 9 December that injured five UNIFIL peacekeepers and a civilian. He also expressed serious concern at the two incidents of rocket firing on 11 December and 29 November from UNIFIL's area of operations.

The LAF Commander later visited the UNIFIL French base at Deir Kifa where the headquarters of the UNIFIL Force Commander Reserve is located, to support the French contingent and to show solidarity with the soldiers who were injured during the attack in Tyr.

Press statement - Rocket fire from southern Lebanon, 12 December 2011

On Sunday 11 December at around 11 pm UNIFIL radars detected firing of one rocket from Qaissiyeh valley. The rocket impacted on a private home in the village of Houla in southern Lebanon causing serious injuries to a woman.


There has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.

UNIFIL is currently investigating on the ground to determine the facts and circumstances of the incident as well as to locate the launching site of the rocket fire.

UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas strongly condemned the rocket attack and expressed serious concern at the recent escalation of incidents involving serious security breaches in southern Lebanon.

The Force Commander said: "This is the third incident involving serious security breaches south of the Litani river in a period of two weeks. These instances show that despite all our efforts there continue to be weapons and hostile armed elements ready to use them within our area of operations."

"One of the most important provisions of UN Security Council resolution 1701 is to ensure that there are no armed personnel, assets and weapons other than those of the Government of Lebanon and of UNIFIL in the area between the Blue Line and the Litani River."

"Resolution 1701 clearly stipulates that it is the responsibility of the Lebanese government to implement this decision whereas UNIFIL is mandated to assist the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in this regard. We have excellent cooperation with the LAF who are our strategic partners on the ground. We remain committed to extend all necessary support to LAF and we will do everything possible within our capabilities and scope of our mandate to assist LAF in this endeavour."

"There is clearly a need for further enhancing security control in the area. Recent efforts by certain elements have been directed at destabilizing the area and we simply cannot allow such acts of violence that endanger the safety of the local population and the security of southern Lebanon."

"I have discussed further steps with the LAF Commander Gen. Kahwagi in our meeting in Naqoura today and he shares my concerns. We are taking concrete measures together with the LAF to further reinforce security across our area of operations while efforts continue to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of these attacks."

Monday, December 12, 2011

President of the General Assembly strongly condemns attack on UNIFIL near Tyre, Lebanon

STATEMENT ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE SPOKESPERSON FOR
THE PRESIDENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

United Nations, New York, 9 December 2011

President of the General Assembly strongly condemns attack on UNIFIL near Tyre, Lebanon

 

The President of the General Assembly H.E. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, strongly condemns Friday's attack on the convoy of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) near Tyre, Lebanon, which injured five United Nations peacekeepers and two civilians. He welcomed the commitment of Lebanon to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The President extends his deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the victims of this heinous attack. He wishes a speedy recovery to those who were injured.

President Al-Nasser calls upon all parties to observe the safety and security of UNIFIL peacekeepers and other UN personnel in accordance with international law. He attaches great importance to the fulfilment of UNIFIL's mandate.

The President of the General Assembly reaffirms his full support to the UNIFIL and underscores its essential role in bringing stability in cooperation with the Lebanese authorities.

 

 

* * *

Friday, December 09, 2011

New York, 9 December 2011 - Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on UNIFIL

The Secretary-General strongly condemns this morning's attack against a UNIFIL vehicle near the town of Tyre, inside UNIFIL's area of operations. The attack injured five UNIFIL military personnel.

UNIFIL and Lebanese authorities are cooperating closely in the ongoing investigation, which aims to ascertain the facts. The Secretary-General expects that the perpetrators will be swiftly identified and brought to justice.

This attack on UNIFIL, the third since May 2011, is deeply disturbing. The security and safety of all United Nations personnel in Lebanon is of paramount importance.

Five peacekeepers injured in explosion that targeted UNIFIL vehicle near Tyr; investigation underway

(Comments by UNIFIL Deputy Spokesperson Andrea Tenenti on explosion near Tyre, 09 December 2011)
"On 9 December, a UNIFIL vehicle traveling on a road at the southern outskirts of the city of Tyre was targeted by an explosion.

Five peacekeepers were injured. They were treated at the location and were later evacuated for further medical treatment.

UNIFIL's forensics and investigation teams are at the location of the explosive attack, working in close cooperation with their counterparts in the Lebanese Armed Forces to determine all the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident.

Further details will be made available later."