UNIFIL Head of Mission Pays Farewell Visits to Lebanese Leaders

As part of his farewell visits with the Lebanese authorities, UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander, Major General Michael Beary, met on Monday in Beirut with President Michel Aoun and other high-ranking officials, a press release said.

In separate meetings, the UNIFIL head also met with caretaker Minister of Defense, Yaacoub Sarraf, and caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jebran Bassil.

In all of the meetings, Beary expressed his appreciation for the support provided by the government of Lebanon in the implementation of UNIFIL’s mandated tasks and complemented the efforts of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), UNIFIL’s strategic partner.

“Significant progress has been made by LAF,” said Beary after the meetings, stressing the importance for Lebanon to continue to demonstrate progress in enhancing LAF’s capacity and presence in UNIFIL’s area of operation south of the Litani river.

“The past few years have witnessed a period of overall stability and calm that is historically unprecedented in the area, which has benefited the people of south Lebanon enormously,” added Beary.

In the days leading up to his departure on 7 August, the UNIFIL head will continue to meet with various Lebanese officials, members of the diplomatic corps and fellow peacekeepers.

Beary is leaving UNIFIL after two years at the helm of the UN peacekeeping mission, and after serving three previous tours of duty in south Lebanon. He will be replaced by Major General Stefano Del Col of Italy.