34 nations contributing troops to UNFIL issue statement condemning attacks

In a joint statement on Sunday, 34 countries contributing troops to the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) condemned ongoing attacks on peacekeepers and called on all to respect the UNIFIL’s mission and ensure the safety of its personnel.

Republic of Armenia, Republic of Austria, People's Republic of Bengladesh, Federative Republic of Brazil, Kingdom of Cambodia, People's Republic of China, Republic of Cyprus, Republic of Selvador, Republic of Estonia, Republic of Fiji, Republic of Finland, Republic of France, Republic of Ghana, Republic of Guatemala, Hungary, Republic of Indonesia, Ireland, Republic of Italy, Republic of Kazakhstan, Republic of Korea, Republic of Latvia, Malaysia, Republic of Malta, Mongolia, Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands, Republic of Poland, State of Qatar, Republic of Sierra Leone, kingdom of Spain, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Republic of Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania.

As the countries contributors to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, we reaffirm our full support for UNIFIL's mission and activities, whose principle aim is to bring stabilisation and lasting peace in south Lebanon as well as in the Middle East, in line with relevant resolution of the UN Security Council.

We consider UNIFIL's role as particularly crucial in light of the escalating situation in the region.

We therefore strongly condemn recent attacks on the UNIFIL peacekeepers. Such actions must stop immediately and should be adequately investigated.

We urge the parties of the conflict to respect UNIFIL's presence which entails the obligation to guarantee the safety and security of its personnel at all times, so that they can continue to implement its mandate and continue their work of mediation and support for peace and stability in Lebanon and the entire region.

We reiterate our commitment to multilateral cooperation with the UN at its core. We call for respect for the international law, in particular, the Charter of the United Nations as well as the relevant resolutions of the Security Council.