UNIFIL Marks International Day of Peace, Asarta Calls for Permanent Ceasefire

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon held a ceremony to mark the 30th International Day of Peace during which UNIFIL commander Maj. Gen. Alberto Asarta called for a permanent ceasefire in the South.

Present at the ceremony at UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura were local authorities, religious leaders, representatives of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the international community.

Asarta reviewed an Honor Guard from peacekeepers representing the 36 different national contingents that make up UNIFIL.

He, together with LAF South Litani Commander Brig. Gen. Sadek Tlais representing the LAF Commander, laid wreaths at the UNIFIL cenotaph in memory of peacekeepers who lost their lives in the service of peace.

Addressing the ceremony, Asarta explained the significance of the day for “strengthening the ideals of peace within and among all nations and people”

“For us in UNIFIL and for the Lebanese people, this day takes on a particular meaning as UNIFIL symbolizes over 33 years of joint efforts towards lasting peace and prosperity in southern Lebanon,” Asarta said.

“I am encouraged by the assurances from the parties that they will continue working closely with UNIFIL to maintain calm in the area,” he added, reiterating calls on both the parties to go even further and make every effort to achieve a permanent ceasefire in accordance with U.N. Security Council resolution 1701.

On this occasion, UNIFIL in cooperation with the U.N. Development Program (UNDP) organized a festival of Lebanese homemade traditional food and handicrafts. The festival is part of efforts to assist local agricultural cooperatives and associations promote their products as well as introduce Lebanese culture to UNIFIL members.

The International Day of Peace was established by the U.N. General Assembly in 1981 as a day dedicated to ceasefire and non-violence; a day where tolerance, justice and human rights are promoted.

UNIFIL currently has more than 12,000 troops and about 1,000 civilian staff members serving in the Mission.