UNIFIL Marks International Day of Peace, Serra Hails Cooperation with Army

UNIFIL Commander Maj. Gen. Paolo Serra stressed on Saturday that the success in maintaining peace in southern Lebanon is due to the strategic partnership with the Lebanese army.

“I am very grateful for their support and cooperation and I remain firmly committed to conduct all our activities in close coordination with them,” Serra said during a speech at a ceremony in UNIFIL headquarters in the southern town of Naqoura to mark the 32nd International Day of Peace.

The U.N. official expressed deep appreciation also to the religious and political authorities and the residents of the South for their “support.”

He pointed out that the “UNIFIL's presence in southern Lebanon is a testimony to the fact that concerted efforts can be successful in maintaining the cessation of hostilities and creating the conditions for peace.”

“Since 2006, our area of operation has enjoyed stability and security,” he added.

The ceremony was held in presence of Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji's representative, peacekeepers representing the 37 national contingents in UNIFIL, who were joined by representatives of local authorities, officers of the army and the Internal Security Forces and the international community.

The ceremony was held under the theme of “Education of Peace.”

Serra and Qahwaji's representative laid wreaths at the UNIFIL Cenotaph in memory of the 298 peacekeepers who lost their lives in the service of peace in southern Lebanon.

During the ceremony, 89 military staff officers were awarded with the U.N. Peacekeeping Medal.

The International Day of Peace was established by the U.N. General Assembly in 1981. It is dedicated to cease-fire and non-violence and it is an occasion during which all promote tolerance, justice and human rights. Each year on this day, the United Nations invites all nations and people to honor a cessation of hostilities and to commemorate the day through activities that promote peace.