Latest news with #AroldoLázaro
LBCI
4 days ago
- Politics
- LBCI
UNIFIL changes command amidst tensions in South Lebanon
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) held a change of command ceremony on Tuesday at its headquarters in Naqoura, as outgoing Spanish Commander Major General Aroldo Lázaro handed over authority to incoming Italian Major General Diodato Abagnara. The event unfolded against a backdrop of heightened tensions, with the sounds of interceptor missiles and the overhead presence of Israeli drones. Following a military parade by participating UNIFIL units, Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Mnassa laid a wreath on behalf of the Lebanese government at the monument dedicated to UNIFIL casualties. Outgoing Major General Lázaro addressed the gathering, reflecting on UNIFIL's mission and its support for the Lebanese Army south of the Litani River. He emphasized the force's role in implementing U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 and achieving stability, underscoring the continued necessity of UNIFIL's presence. The new commander, Major General Abagnara, then spoke, extending his gratitude to his predecessor for his wise leadership. "We must strengthen stability and work towards the implementation of international Resolution 1701," he stated. "For this reason, we must continue to enhance stability and international coordination and translate dialogue into concrete action. Recognizing the importance of stability is not enough; we must work tirelessly to build it day by day." He added, "We gather at a time of significant transformations in the operational and political landscape. Today's ceremony goes beyond a mere formal transfer of command; it reaffirms UNIFIL's vital role as a force for stability after the renewed hostilities."
LBCI
20-06-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
UN Peacekeeping Chief wraps Lebanon visit: Resolution 1701 implementation a critical condition for peace in the region
United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, concluded his visit to Lebanon as part of a broader regional tour. During his stay, Lacroix held high-level meetings with senior Lebanese officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and the leadership of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), marking his final official engagement with Major General Aroldo Lázaro, the Head of Mission and Force Commander of UNIFIL, whose mandate is also ending. According to a UNIFIL statement, Lacroix visited several areas near the Blue Line in South Lebanon, which have been among the most affected by recent clashes. He also toured UNIFIL's maritime area of operations off the coast of Naqoura aboard a vessel from the U.N. peacekeeping mission's naval unit. Throughout his visit, Lacroix reiterated UNIFIL's pivotal role in maintaining stability in South Lebanon and underscored the mission's essential support in implementing U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701. He emphasized the fragile nature of the current relative calm along the Blue Line and the importance of safeguarding and strengthening it amid growing regional instability. In his discussions with Lebanese officials, Lacroix reaffirmed the joint efforts of UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces in upholding the cessation of hostilities and advancing the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. "In all my visits, I have stressed the importance of sustained political backing for the implementation of Resolution 1701 as a critical condition for peace and security in the region," Lacroix said. He also reaffirmed the mission's commitment to supporting local communities, assisting the parties in implementing the resolution, and continuing close coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces as they redeploy across the south. He expressed deep appreciation for the work of U.N. peacekeepers operating under increasingly complex and challenging circumstances. He reiterated the U.N.'s unwavering support for peace and security for all civilians affected by the conflict.
LBCI
18-06-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Speaker Berri meets UN Peacekeeping Chief, reaffirms Lebanon's commitment to UNIFIL mandate renewal
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri met on Wednesday with U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix at the Second Presidency in Ain al-Tineh. The meeting was attended by UNIFIL Commander Major General Aroldo Lázaro and Speaker Berri's advisor, Ali Hamdan. Discussions focused on the overall situation in Lebanon, UNIFIL's mission, and the upcoming renewal of its mandate. Speaker Berri expressed his gratitude to Major General Lázaro for his efforts during his tenure as head of the international peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, particularly in implementing U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 and strengthening ties between UNIFIL personnel and local communities. He wished Lázaro success in his future endeavors. Berri reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to international legitimacy and the continued presence of UNIFIL in the south, highlighting the force's essential role in Lebanon's security, stability, and future, as well as in regional peace. He also emphasized UNIFIL's involvement in overseeing the maritime border framework agreement and the latest ceasefire, which he said Israel continues to violate daily while maintaining its occupation of Lebanese territory in the south. Berri stressed to Lacroix that Lebanon is firmly in favor of the international community and the U.N. Security Council extending UNIFIL's mandate for a new term.
LBCI
18-06-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
President Aoun awards UNIFIL commander Aroldo Lázaro the National Order of the Cedar
Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun awarded UNIFIL Commander Major General Aroldo Lázaro the National Order of the Cedar, rank of Commander, in recognition of his efforts during his tenure leading the international peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon. The decoration was presented as a gesture of appreciation for Lázaro's contributions to maintaining stability in the south and for his role in implementing U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 in coordination with the Lebanese Army.
LBCI
12-06-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Defense Minister visits UNIFIL in Naqoura, condemns attacks and calls for mandate renewal
Defense Minister Michel Menassa visited the UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura and met with UNIFIL Force Commander Aroldo Lázaro. Several UNIFIL and Lebanese Army officers were present, and a meeting was held to discuss recent tensions between UNIFIL and residents. Menassa condemned the attacks on UNIFIL, which he said serves Israel while stressing the importance of renewing UNIFIL's mandate.
