NAQOURA: The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon delivered 106 vehicles and related spare parts to the Lebanese Army at a ceremony at UNIFIL’s headquarters in the southern border village of Naqoura Thursday.
“The delivery of the U.N.-owned vehicles, the third batch in little over a year, is part of UNIFIL’s efforts to support the Lebanese Army in line with U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006) and to buttress the operational capabilities of its strategic partner in southern Lebanon,” a UNIFIL statement said.
UNIFIL Force Commander Maj. Gen. Alberto Asarta Cuevas said his peacekeeping force was committed to enhancing the capabilities of the Lebanese Army.
“Today’s transfer, which follows the donation of 24 vehicles in April and 39 vehicles in August last year, is a reflection of UNIFIL’s continued commitment to enhance the operational capability of the Lebanese Armed Forces to ensure security in the south, as per U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701.”
Brig. Gen. Georges Zakhem, representing Lebanese Army commander Gen. Jean Kahwaji, and Brig. Gen. Sadek Tlais – who is in charge of Lebanese south Litani River area – represented the military at the handover ceremony.
“Although used, the vehicles delivered today are in good running condition and included 4x4 vehicles and trucks,” said the UNIFIL statement
UNIFIL director of mission support, Girish Sinha, said UNIFIL looks forward to the continued collaboration and strengthening of the relationship between the LAF and UNIFIL.