UNIFIL Spokesperson Andrea Tenenti explained Saturday claims and false news have spread lately about recent incidents that tarnish the way the UNIFIL works, the nature of its relations with the residents of South Lebanon and its strategic partnership with the Lebanese Armed Forces, noting that these false news could raise negative feelings towards the UNIFIL’s mission and increase tension within the local community.
Answering a question about the way the UNIFIL works, Tenenti said that the mission works in accordance with the UNSC resolution 1701, stressing the forces work in utmost transparency and in an impartial way and stands at an equal distance from all the parties.
He also stressed that the UNIFIL appreciates the strong support provided by the Lebanese authorities.
Commenting on the relationship between UNIFIL and the Lebanese Army, the spokesperson stated that "these media reports distort the nature of UNIFIL's relations with the Lebanese Armed Forces."
"The UNIFIL has been working closely with LAF since 2006 with mutual respect to promote peace through stability," he pointed out.
"The Lebanese Armed Forces are a strategic partner of UNIFIL and enjoy the full support of all our forces as well as the international community. Whenever incidents fall in the area of operations, the UNIFIL always holds contacts with local authorities to find a solution," Tenenti concluded.