Tenenti: Lebanese authorities must ensure safety, security and freedom of movement of UNIFIL troops

United Nations Interim Forces In Lebanon spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said on Saturday that a large group of civilians stopped a UNIFIL patrol in the southern village of Kawthariat al-Sayad.

Tenenti’s comments were made in a press release issued by the UNIFIL whereby he noted that on December 4, a large group of civilians stopped a UNIFIL convoy in the southern village of Kawthariat al-Sayad while it was heading back to its base inside UNIFIL's area of operation.

He added that the mentioned civilians took the items and equipment of the UNIFIL’s patrol, noting that the Lebanese army rushed to the area and took control of the situation.

 

Tenenti noted that The UNIFIL’s convoy was then able to leave the village, adding however that the equipment and items were not returned to the peacekeepers.

“The UN Secretary-General and the UN Security Council have always strongly deplored such incidents,” he noted.

 

Tenenti also stressed that “the UNIFIL's full freedom of movement and the security and safety of its personnel are an integral part of the effective execution of its tasks.”

 

“The Lebanese authorities must ensure the safety, security and freedom of movement of UNIFIL troops,” he added.

Tenenti concluded by saying that both the UNIFIL and LAF are investigating the circumstances behind the incident."