UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti stressed in comments made to the National News Agency on Thursday that the peacekeeping force “is neutral, does not support any party and does not carry out surveillance activities.”
“The only thing we support is peace. The pursuit of peace through the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 is why we are here, and that is why we will continue to do the work entrusted to us,” he added.
Tenenti’s remarks, obviously reflected the growing unease that the peacekeepers are facing in fulfilling their mission.
The spokesperson bemoaned what he described as “incorrect reports” that contribute to creating serious misunderstandings about UNIFIL’s mandate and the nature of its work.
“False allegations can jeopardize the men and women working for peace. UNIFIL is doing its best to ease tensions, prevent misunderstandings, and support local communities during this difficult time,” he said, adding that about 20% of UNIFIL’s patrols are coordinated with the Lebanese Army and aimed at reporting violations on both sides of the Blue Line.
“We recognize that the protracted crisis has taken a heavy toll on people in South Lebanon. Emotions are running high, and inflammatory rhetoric can lead to a very dangerous situation,” he said.
Tenenti concluded, “Peace and stability are our only goal, which is why we were invited by the Lebanese government to come here, and why we were given a mandate by the UN Security Council.”
