Serra Says UNIFIL Strategy Review Expected Next Month

UNIFIL Commander Maj.-Gen. Paolo Serra said Wednesday a report on the U.N. "strategy" review of the peacekeeping force in Lebanon will likely be issued in mid-March.

In an interview with As Safir daily, Serra said: “I think this mission that started five years ago needs a new strategy and continued renewal because there is an opportunity to make advancements and have better efficiency.”

The study carried out by a special team in the months of October and November last year focused on ways to improve stability and make better contacts with southerners, he told the newspaper.

Serra said the peacekeeping mission was eagerly waiting for the review to begin implementing it on the ground.

Julian Harston, a veteran British diplomat and U.N. peacekeeping expert, is carrying out the review which is focusing on operational configuration and strategy of the mission.

After completing his work, the U.N. Security Council will decide what changes to make to the force which has taken on renewed importance since UNIFIL was boosted after the 2006 war between Israel and Hizbullah.

It now has about 13,500 troops and civilian staff.

Asked by As Safir about a French decision to downsize its troops, Serra said: “The contribution of French peacekeepers has been one of the most efficient. They have always been a committed part of UNIFIL.”

But he stressed that he has heard about the decision through the media. “Nothing hasn’t been confirmed yet officially.”

“Of course there could be downsizing or the withdrawal of troops from some countries but that would be compensated by (the deployment) of soldiers from other countries,” Serra said.