For Free Distribution Not For Sale

Oct 2011 - no.10

The Smiles... of Peace UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas watches a craftsman make pottery at the Lebanese homemade traditional food and handicraft festival. Held at UNIFIL HQ in Naqoura on the International Day of Peace 21 September 2011, the event aims to assist local agri- cultural cooperatives and associations promote their products as well as introduce Lebanese culture to UNIFIL members. Editorial The mechanics of peacekeeping, five years since 1701 Chatting over coffee in Beirut the other day, a senior journalist raised a question on my observation that the last five years since adoption of UN Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) has been the quietest period southern Lebanon has witnessed in the last three decades. His point was not to challenge the fact that there has been unprecedented calm in the area, rather that this was not the result of UNIFIL’s efforts but because the parties did not want a conflict.

I told him that I had absolutely no problem in An important step in this direction is the ongoing acknowledging that the credit for this achievement goes visible marking of the Blue Line, a daunting task that largely to the parties. Commitment to the cessation of UNIFIL has undertaken in cooperation with both hostilities is ultimately about ‘political will’ on both sides. sides. The amount of time and resources committed Ideally, we would like that this ‘political will’ leads to by UNIFIL in mine clearance for access, negotiating a permanent ceasefire and long-term solution to the with the parties and marking each point on the conflict, a matter that lies outside the remit of UNIFIL. ground to have an inter-visible stretch of blue barrels, by far surpasses any similar exercise undertaken Short of that, within the scope of its mandate UNIFIL anywhere in the world. Such are the sensitivities provides a security framework through our coordinated involved, but we are making steady progress now: operations with the Lebanese army that prevents on 19 August, UNIFIL placed the 100th blue barrel potentially escalatory incidents and we provide an with an estimated 350 more required to complete the effective liaison and coordination framework that Blue Line marking. allows the parties to address all security and military operational issues through UNIFIL. This underpins These are just some instances of how the mechanics the ‘political will’ for continued commitment to the of peacekeeping operates within the framework of cessation of hostilities on both sides. resolution 1701. Most significantly, the deployment of the Lebanese army with UNIFIL’s robust support Yet despite our best efforts incidents do happen, has brought about a strategic change in the security some with the potential to escalate into larger conflict. environment of southern Lebanon. The strategic Take for example the exchange of fire between the partnership of the two forces has effected steady Lebanese and Israeli army troops across the Blue Line improvement in the security situation in the area in Wazzani last August and the more serious exchange through these five years. This is reflected in the in the previous year at El Adeisse. UNIFIL’s immediate normal daily life of the people and the general intervention helped stop the firing and contain the economic development so amply evident across situation. Then by quickly engaging the parties on the south Lebanon. tripartite forum UNIFIL secured reaffirmation of their commitment to the cessation of hostilities and helped All said and done, however, the fact remains that in mutual confidence building. Thereafter, based on UNIFIL is not the solution to the conflict; it was never the findings of our investigations into the incidents meant to be. Writing for Al-Janoub in June 2008 the UNIFIL enabled concrete steps by the parties to then Head of UN Peacekeeping Operations Under- mitigate the potential for recurrence of such incidents. Secretary-General Jean-Marie Guehenno said: “A peacekeeping operation is to support diplomatic El Adeisse is one among other hot spots along the efforts to reach a political solution; it cannot be the Blue Line where underlying differences and territorial substitute for a political solution…UNIFIL creates an counterclaims between the parties tend to precipitate opportunity for peace, but that opportunity has to tensions despite their stated commitment to respect be seized.” the Blue Line as the Line of Withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon. In this context UNIFIL plays a major Neeraj Singh role in maintaining calm and preventing escalation. Editor-in-Chief Contents

The mechanics of peacekeeping, five years since 1701 3

PM Mikati visits UNIFIL 5

UNIFIL General: Strong LAF is key to mission success 6 | 7

Simple UNIFIL instructions save boy’s life 8

‘Al-Janoub’ is published by UNIFIL Office UNIFIL, through the eyes of southern students 9 of Public Information

Photo Feature Publisher Design/Graphics 10 | 11 Milos Strugar Zeina Ezzeddine Editor-in-Chief Editorial support Neeraj Singh Adib Al Moussa Ghinwa El Deek Ramadan at UNIFIL 12 Senior editors Samir F. Ghattas Photographers Joumana Sayegh Pasqual Gorriz Marcos Editorial Advisor Michael F. Ali Irish peacekeepers are back to a southern welcome 13 Hassan Siklawi

Maroun al-Ras: A survivor amid regional tensions 14 Al-Janoub contact

Tel. +961 1 827 020 Email [email protected] +961 1 926 291 Fax +961 1 827 016 Mayor: A deep-rooted relationship with the UN 15

Except where identified by the copyright symbol ©, articles in Al-Janoub may be reprinted without permission on condition that two copies of the publication containing UNIFIL and LAF in largest naval drill 16 the reprint are sent to the Editor-in-Chief of Al-Janoub.

The logo ‘ ’ is a calligraphic representation In show of support... to Lebanese Army 17 of the word Al-Janoub in Arabic

UN pulls together in the face of tragedy 18 Colour correction and printing

Disclaimer The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNIFIL concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city area or of its authorities, or concerning delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The views expressed do not necessarily represent the policies or positions of UNIFIL, nor does the citing of trade names or commercial processes constitute endorsement. PM Mikati visits UNIFIL

It was a first for UNIFIL and a first for a Lebanese Prime Minister. Prime Minister Najib Mikati visited UNIFIL on 16 July 2011. The whirlwind tour of Mission Headquarters at Naqoura in southern Lebanon carried two messages: renewed commitment by Lebanon for the full implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1701 and appreciation of the peacekeepers’ contribution to peace and stability in cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces. “In my name and in the name of the Lebanese government I thanked General Asarta and the officers and soldiers for the mission they are carrying out in all sincerity, particularly in imposing security and peace in cooperation with the Lebanese Army in southern Lebanon,” Prime Minister Mikati said in an interview with ‘Al-Janoub’. Accompanying the Prime Minister in the delegation were Minister of Defence unequivocal terms,” he said, adding: “The Addressing the Lebanese soldiers, he urged Fayez Ghosn, Lebanese Armed Forces people of Lebanon, and I personally, have them to work closely with the peacekeepers. Commander General Jean Kahwagi and deep appreciation for the work you are other senior military and government “Soldiers from friendly countries have left doing, hand in hand with the Lebanese officials. The Prime Minister reviewed a their homelands and families and come to Armed Forces, to maintain the peace and Guard of Honour presented by UNIFIL our land to achieve peace and security and quiet for this part of the country that has troops. Then he received an operations to consecrate the will of the international suffered from many years of conflict.” briefing on UNIFIL and discussed with Force community in seeing our country stable and Commander Major-General Alberto Asarta PM Mikati again stressed: “My government safe. Cooperate with them, coordinate your Cuevas the activities undertaken by the is committed to the implementation of UN measures, and encourage closer bonds peacekeepers in collaboration with the LAF. Security Council resolution 1701.” between them and our families in south Lebanon, who undoubtedly appreciate In renewing the commitment to the In the interview with ‘Al-Janoub’, PM their sacrifices and embrace them as they cessation of hostilities under resolution Mikati touched on the good relationship embrace you,” the Prime Minister said in a 1701, PM Mikati pointed to his between UNIFIL and the people of south statement. government’s decision to seek renewal of Lebanon and the Lebanese Army. For his part, Major-General Asarta said PM UNIFIL mandate for another year starting 1 “We appreciate the good relationship with Mikati’s visit to UNIFIL “constitutes a strong September 2011 as proof of interest in the the people of south Lebanon. This is very statement of support for our mission.” peacekeeping mission and its work. important. Whereas UNIFIL’s mission is “We say again: Thank you UNIFIL, and security-related we also notice the aid and The Force Commander added: “I have no thank you for imposing security and peace. the social relations which began to link doubt that this will greatly encourage UNIFIL Today, we look forward also that the reality these forces to the people of the south,” peacekeepers as well as our strategic be not only a cessation of hostilities but he said. partners in the Lebanese Armed Forces to further build on the steady gains in the also a cease-fire so that stability will be Earlier that day during a visit to Lebanese security situation over the past almost five comprehensive and full,” the Prime Minister Army positions along the Blue Line, PM years since the cessation of hostilities came told ‘Al-Janoub’. Mikati praised UNIFIL’s presence, saying: into effect. The support of the Government In a statement issued after the talks, “The international umbrella provided by of Lebanon is very important for the success the Prime Minister said there is national UNIFIL deployment in the south reflects of our mission.” consensus on UNIFIL and its mission. the international community’s interest in “I am here to stress that again in Lebanon and its security and stability.” Samir F. Ghattas UNIFIL Public Information Issue 10 Oct 11 often saidthatthisisthecalmest area incidents donothappen,”he said. “Itis peacekeeping missionlieinthat “The great achievementsofa de Woillemont canbeproud. UNIFIL ChiefofStaff, Brigadier-General Looking backathisone-yeartenure as 2011. post ofUNIFILChiefStaff inJuly Maisonneuve ofFranceassumedthe Brigadier-General Pougindela necessary equipment. scenetoprovideinternational theLAF up jointtrainingandcampaigningonthe cooperation andcoordination tostepped- in everypossibleway, from increased should bemore supportfortheLAF General XavierdeWoillemont said,there To enablethattohappen,Brigadier- under UN Security Council resolutionunder Security UN 1701. ultimate achievement takeover Forces of Lebanese Armed would responsibilities (LAF) full in be Mission been has stability asuccessmaintaining south in in Lebanon despitethe the difficulties, The French General who for served UNIFIL’s as ayear June Chief until of Staff 2011 says while the Strong LAF is keyStrong to mission LAF success General: UNIFIL 6 7 UNIFIL, tothe Lebanese Army.” tasks, thetasksaccomplished todayby for thisMission,whichistotransfer our it willbetogotowards the‘endstate’ know eachotherandthemore possible the trainingactivities,more wewill Woillemont said.“Themore wegofor with ahighdemandforthesedrills,”de “The LebaneseArmyisveryfondofand are oneaspect. strengthening theLAF. Jointexercises The keytosustainedstabilityisin at theendofhismandate. added inaninterviewwith‘Al-Janoub’ most happyandproud,” theGeneral and thisiswhatprobably makesme and themostimportantachievement, region now. Ithinkthisisourmission i n Lebanonandperhapsinthewhole

JointLebanese Army-UNIFIL training UNIFIL "Force Commander Reserve" unit on patrol in south Lebanon He noted the while the LAF is fully deployed The general stressed the good cooperation “We do not have any hidden agenda. in the south it still needs to be provided with with the LAF. “This cooperation functions We do not have any dark secret the necessary infrastructure and training to very well, and I might say it is functioning schemes. We are here under the United accomplish its tasks. better and better… the population does Nations flag, whichever the countries, “What we can and what we do is to carry, not always see us with the LAF on the and we are working first of all for the as UNIFIL officers, in all the contacts we ground, because we are 12,000, hence, population; the first beneficiary is the may have with the international community, more than the LAF troops, and the population. I think that this trust of the our own countries, the UN Headquarters, LAF has other tasks... the tendency population is first our fine reward,” the EU, etc. the message that it is a must is to increase all these joint activities he said. together.” to support and assist LAF, in particular with His interactions with the population of everything related to the military infrastructure Touching on operational activities that the south are the General’s memorable such as improving the barracks, building have at times caused friction between moments, whether planned ahead or training centres in the south, and so on,” de UNIFIL and the local population, he impromptu, organized or not, official or Woillemont said. said, “I think that we need to establish a informal. “LAF has proven all its capacity here in balance between operational efficiency and the population’s well-being.” De Woillemont said: “When you go to southern Lebanon and I believe we must a school in south Lebanon and the continue to work in close cooperation and People no doubt get disturbed by military students sing French songs, for example, to assist them, little by little, because this is operations everywhere, even around because I am French, first it is beautiful, the target: that UNIFIL leaves and LAF takes military bases in France, he said. But and then it is very touching. When you charge of all the responsibilities.” the general added that the population of are invited to lunch or dinner, there is He summed up the work of UNIFIL during southern Lebanon must appreciate the always an abundance of things, even reasons behind UNIFIL’s activities. his tenure, saying that in addition to stability, when people are not necessarily rich, the cooperation with the LAF has greatly “If we are exercising, it is not for the so this is the generosity.” improved, increasing the power of the pleasure of manoeuvring. We are fulfilling He wraps up his memories, expressing LAF, while within UNIFIL itself there was an operational task which is to ensure gratitude and honour in serving, as a the successful implementation of the Joint security here and which is first for the Frenchman in UNIFIL, in light of the Technical Review that reconfigured the force benefit of the local population. Hence, shared history between Lebanon and and created the Force Commander Reserve I think the population knows quite well France “which inevitably creates very combining the French infantry battalion that a minimum of disturbance must and Quick Reaction Force to enhance be tolerated,” de Woillemont said. “Of strong ties and obligations for us, the operational mobility. course, we try to reduce the nuisances French.” “We, too, must continue to adapt and to to the population as much as we can.” “The first contact with a southerner is constantly reorganize our forces to be always Addressing southerners, the general said always friendly, I think that this is the more useful and more efficient,” he said, they should put their trust in the LAF and memory I will keep from Lebanon and adding that UNIFIL should remain a “robust UNIFIL, adding that the peacekeeping force the south.” military mission”. is operating in complete transparency. Yury Kushko UNIFIL Public Information operations 14 de-miners including two from “Do not approach, Do not touch” UNIFIL have been killed and 49 injured, including five UNIFIL de-miners. simple UNIFIL instructions save boy’s life UNIFIL demining teams have since 2006 contributed to demining around 4.8 million square metres of affected land and destroyed more than 34,000 unexploded ordnance and mines in southern Lebanon. Besides, UNIFIL regularly conducts activities aimed at raising awareness of the population to the dangers of landmines and other explosive remnants of war. Facing the dangers of cluster bombs is just part of Hussein’s tragic upbringing. Born a refugee to Palestinian parents who hail from the town of Al-Bassa a few kilometres from Lebanon, the family ended up in Hinniyeh northeast of Naqoura in the southernmost part of Lebanon. Hussein had to drop out of school to work to A lesson by a UNIFIL instructor two years ago saved Hussein Abu Raya’s life support his family and help pay for his father’s serious eye injury he suffered in a work-related The 15-year-old school dropout used the patrol to the site. By then, the Italian patrol had accident. His four brothers also dropped out skills he learned from a mine and cluster searched the area and located other bombs. of school and moved to the work force. His bomb awareness session by UNIFIL The two units teamed up and cordoned off the two sisters also were not able to continue their instructors to escape becoming victim of the area before detonating the bombs. education and opted to marry and move out. many thousands of unexploded ordnance Although the boy was not an explosives expert Hussein wanted to work in manufacturing strewn over many parts of south Lebanon, he managed to distinguish the cluster bomb, aluminium metal frames for windows and almost five years after the end of conflict. thanks to the instructions he picked up from doors but even that was not possible due The incident happened near the village of the awareness session provided by UNIFIL. Hinniyeh one recent morning when Hussein to his pressing living conditions. So he Speaking outside his family home in set out as usual on his old motorcycle headed ended up working with his brothers in a pit, Hinniyeh, Hussein said that two years ago, to work in the neighbouring town of Qlayleh. turning timber and branches to charcoal for when he was still attending school, LAF As he manoeuvred his way slowly along a domestic use. and UNIFIL used to make periodic visits side road snaking amid citrus and banana His face blackened by soot, the boy said he to educate students about the dangers groves in vernal weather pervaded with the also picked up some information on cluster of cluster bombs and mines strewn in the fragrance of orange blossoms, he spotted a bombs and mines from his elder brother, Ali, orchards and bushes from the 2006 war. strange object at the side of the road. who works for a Norwegian team specialized The boy pulled over and carefully approached "They used to bring with them to school in mines clearance in southern Lebanon. the spot. “When I saw the white tape on dismantled cluster munitions and mines of He said Ali always brought home with him which the body was suspended, I became various kinds. They briefed us about the risks awareness publications depicting cluster certain that it is a cluster bomb,” he recalled. of these bombs and how we should act if we bombs and mines, and explained to his came across any of them,” Hussein recalled. brothers how to act in the event of seeing Hussein quickly stepped back, jumped on any of these bodies. his motorbike and headed out to the main “I still remember how the interpreter was road, where he bumped into a UNIFIL Italian strictly telling us: ‘Do not approach. Do not Due to the nature of their business, which is patrol that happened to be passing by. touch. Inform the nearest LAF or UNIFIL collecting wood, Hussein’s family members position,’ ” he added. He hailed the troops, but did not know what are vulnerable to exposure to cluster bombs to tell the peacekeepers since they don’t While Hussein was repeating the interpreter's that are heavily scattered in Hinniyeh’s speak Arabic and he does not speak any instructions, his four older brothers echoed orchards, plains and surrounding valleys. other language. The boy pointed by his hand the same phrase just like a chorus: “Do not Therefore, Ali was always keen to remind his to the place of the bomb, shouting "Bam approach. Do not touch. Inform the nearest brothers of the need to be cautious while Bam Bam,” then asked the peacekeepers LAF or UNIFIL position.” walking and working in the orchards. to follow him. After some convincing he was Hussein added that when he spotted the It is true that Hussein dropped out school able to lead the troops to the location. bomb on that morning, he could only at an early age, but at one specific session, “What if these peacekeepers do not possess remember the instructions he learned at the when the peacekeepers explained the enough equipment to dismantle the bomb or school, which he literally applied. dangers of bombs, Hussein proved that he deserved a better chance to continue his set it off?” Hussein thought. Worried about Mine infestation remains a challenge in studies. The pictures and words that he saw what might happen next, the boy headed to southern Lebanon with unexploded ordnance, and heard in the awareness session stuck in the nearest Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) particularly cluster munitions, left over from his memory, and the result was that his life position on the outskirts of Hinniyeh. There, the 2006 conflict, claiming 28 civilian lives and and that of others were saved. he told the soldiers about what he had seen. 263 civilian injuries in the area since the end At once, the local commander dispatched a of the conflict. Besides, during mine clearance Sultan Sleiman UNIFIL Civil Affairs

8 9 Issue 10 Oct 11 UNIFIL, through the eyes of southern students On 26 July, a group of school students The students, in turn, will take their The day-long event was organized by from various parts of southern Lebanon experience back to their schools to share UNIFIL Civil Affairs section for students visited UNIFIL Headquarters in Naqoura. it with fellow students. They were able to who successfully completed their official The “Day with UNIFIL” was an opportunity see first-hand how the soldiers and civilian Grade 9 exams (Brevet). It is part of the for the students to learn about the staff members of UNIFIL go about their peacekeeping force’s efforts to explain to peacekeeping force, its mission, activities daily routine. They heard explanation on the people of the south and particularly and its members – civilian as well as UNIFIL activities, including intricate subjects the new generation the Mission and its military. The students took a close look at such as the Blue Line. One girl asked how activities. the helicopters used for patrolling the Blue to volunteer for UN peacekeeping duty, Mohammad Ghassan Bzeih, a 14-year- Line, transport and medical evacuation, for example. But they were, of course, old from Zibqine village who goes to Tyre saw a demonstration on demining and a impressed most by the cockpit of the Italian Public High School for Boys and Girls, is drill on fire fighting. Their experience with military helicopter and the fire fighting skills one of those students. He read out a letter the life of a soldier included a lunch at the presented by the Danish logistics contingent. he had written in Arabic about UNIFIL to “International Mess”, the restaurant where The students came from the public the other students at a conference hall at soldiers and officers from UNIFIL’s 36 schools in Naqoura, Marwaheen, Tyre and the Naqoura headquarters. Here, in his troop contributing countries join together Rmeish, with students joining from other own words, are his impressions of the visit for a meal. neighbouring villages as well. and of UNIFIL:

Thank you It was a busy Tuesday for me and my friends, in all 45 students, from different schools in the south. Hope was regenerated in us as we enjoyed the various activities and learned life experiences that develop our souls and drive us forward. It felt on that day as if we travelled from the heart of the south to a miniature replica of the world, where we engaged people from different countries who spoke various languages. We became firefighters, then deminers, and helicopter passengers. How happy and proud we felt that day, undergoing training about UNIFIL activities in the south. And when we stepped into the Headquarters in Naqoura, we were so amazed to see nations united, working hand in hand to ensure peace in the south. Therefore, in the name of the Lebanese people, especially the southerners, I thank UNIFIL officers and soldiers. You have come from thousands of miles away to spread peace. You have come here to sketch a smile in the hearts of the people and students. Our presence here is a proof of that. You have come to restore to people what remains of their smiles, so that children can feel safe, so that no mother will fear anymore for the safety of her child from a cluster bomb when wandering in the countryside to smell the flowers. You have come to secure our fields from bombs and remnants of war. You have offered a lot of assistance and services in various fields. You have provided medical services, food and others. You have conducted different training sessions in first aid and fire fighting, as well as sewing to enhance the role of women in society. You have made the dreams of some come true, something that is lacking in the south because of the security situation which erupts every now and then, in addition to the poor financial and social conditions. So, as Lebanese people, we wish to thank UNIFIL which together with the Lebanese Army are watching over us in order to ensure security and stability in Lebanon and the implementation of resolution 1701 with all its details by both the Lebanese and Israeli sides. Finally, we salute you, and raise our hats in gratitude and appreciation for all what you offer and help. Rola Bzeih UNIFIL Civil Affairs On top of peacekeeping tasks and the assistance they offer to southern communities, UNIFIL troops join the people, particularly the children, in recreational activities. The effort enhances understanding through cultural awareness and helps develop closer bonds between the soldiers and the communities.

10 11 Issue 10 Oct 11

Fasting, iftars and patrols Ramadan at UNIFIL The holy month of Ramadan is a time for Muslims to fast, pray, reflect and be close to Allah and to their own families and friends. Muslim soldiers of UNIFIL are no different when it comes to tradition, but on top of that they have peacekeeping duties to perform. For those Muslims in uniform the holy month also carries the extra burden of being away from loved ones. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims month is for the peacekeepers to be away headquarters in Naqoura. “It was an abstain from drinking liquids, eating, from family and home. occasion that reflected respect on the side smoking and any excessive indulgences “We miss the family and a chance to share of the Force Commander to the religious from sunrise to sunset every day. So iftars with them,” said Sergeant Ahmed rites of the Muslims,” said Sheikh Abdullah. Ramadan, of course, brings some changes Moamin from UNIFIL’s Ghanaian Battalion. Major-General Asarta this year attended an into the daily routine of the UNIFIL soldiers “But as military servicemen we are aware iftar thrown by the charity Imam Moussa Al who are from the Muslim faith. of the inevitability of some limitations. There Sadr Foundation in Tyr. “For me as a UNIFIL peacekeeper, the are moments when we cannot go out and “UNIFIL will continue to do its part to Ramadan occasion is a very nice and should stay in barracks or to have our iftar contribute to the establishment of a safe special one because here I’ve got an in a truck or armoured personnel carrier, environment and the improvement of lives opportunity to share it with other Muslims and not at the Al-Rahman table,” he added here in the south,” he said in a speech. servicing for peace here in Lebanon, in an interview with UNIFIL Radio. “Living side by side, interacting on a daily with Indonesians, Bangladeshi soldiers, In addition to the meals that UNIFIL basis - with Lebanese soldiers, local Malaysians, Turkish and Tanzanians (and soldiers share with each other during authorities and villagers alike – this is, in others),” said Major Muhammad Wirda Ramadan, the occasion is also an our view, the only way to successfully Prayogo, from the Indonesian Battalion. opportunity for southerners to interact with achieve UNIFIL’s mandated tasks.” But it is not easy, given that even during the Muslim soldiers. It is no surprise that peacekeepers the holy month the peacekeepers still “Sometimes the southerners visit us and observe, share or feel Ramadan. But have to perform their duties. They conduct share iftar with us. We feel proud on their involvement also helps enhance the regular patrolling that is part of their such occasions which are precious,” said ultimate goal of peace. UNIFIL has become mission assisting the Lebanese army Mahammed Abdul Roful, the Imam of the a part of daily life of southerners after it had to maintain security in the south, guard UNIFIL Ghanaian Battalion. shared with them the tragedies of previous outposts and carry out logistical work as Senior UNIFIL representatives also have conflicts, including many peacekeepers with any other day or month of the year. shared iftars with Lebanese southerners. A killed in the service of peace. Still, they have to adjust. One Muslim couple of years ago when the International “To see people leaving their families and soldier cut down on his physical exercises Day of Peace and Ramadan coincided, villages and countries for the sake of to avoid drinking water during the day. imams and chaplains from UNIFIL ensuring security, comfort and stability of a Another set aside for himself additional contingents were invited to an iftar in Tyr group of people, we then realize that there time for extra prayers and reciting of the hosted by the local Islamic institution. are in this world people who are so good.” Quran. Soldiers gather together around It was a unique event, recalls Tyr and Sheikh Abdullah said. the iftar table at sundown or share an early Jabal Amel Jaafarite Mufti Sheikh Hassan “These men have become one with the Souhour meal before dawn. Abdullah. “It gave us a new line of Lebanese people and they share with us As for non-Muslim soldiers in UNIFIL, they communication with UNIFIL – through Lebanon’s historic values and moral values refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in religious people, not through security due to the martyrs from UNIFIL troops the company of fasting soldiers or in public officers or the military ones,” he said in an in south Lebanon. Such martyrs gave a in deference to the Ramadan tradition and interview. bigger moral value to the southern soil related sensitivities. They, too, sometimes UNIFIL reciprocated, with Force through such men devoted to peace. I share iftars with their Muslim comrades. Commander Major-General Alberto hope the peace will prevail.” But probably the most difficult of the holy Asarta Cuevas hosting an Iftar at Mission Rania Bdeir UNIFIL Public Information

12 13 Issue 10 Oct 11 Irish peacekeepers are back to a southern welcome Many southerners have a good reason to smile. Irish peacekeepers are back. “We welcome the Irish army’s return to Lebanon”, the billboard read at the entrance to Tibnin, telling of the views of many in this southern Lebanese town. Mansour Mansour, a store owner, put up the billboard in gratitude to the Irish peacekeepers who saved his father’s life on Christmas night 1980 after their house was hit by a bomb in the village of Hadatha. “The Irish helped my father and gave him medical treatment,” he said, adding that the wounded man was evacuated by helicopter by a Captain named O’Brien. A blood transfusion kept him alive until he reached the worst periods of conflict in southern maintain peace and security in the south." hospital, where he was treated for more Lebanon and faced hard times along with The people of Tibnin have painful stories to tell than 40 days. the population. The troops were withdrawn during the years of conflict but fond memories The relationship between the Irish in 2001 and returned in 2007-2008 before of how the Irish handled it. being withdrawn again. Irish officers, contingent of UNIFIL and the people of Dakik remembers how in 1986 Irish southern Lebanon dates back to the however, continued to serve at UNIFIL Headquarters in Naqoura. peacekeepers saved a wounded civilian early days when the peacekeeping force from certain death in nearby Hariss village. deployed to the area in 1978. The troops About 450 Irish troops deployed in June “Because of the blood that was donated by lived through the good and bad with the 2011, with their headquarters at Tibnin – a the Irish he survived and he is still alive to people and lost 47 members in the line of base befittingly named Camp Shamrock, after this moment.” duty in the service of peace. the three-leafed symbol of Ireland. They have since also taken up posts along the Blue Line. Mohammad Fawaz, head of an orphanage in Now this close relationship, interrupted by the town, recalled how the Irish peacekeepers the withdrawal of the contingent years ago In one of their first acts, and in a tribute to the entertained children “who were young and but continuously nurtured in the minds and past and their belonging to south Lebanon, afraid” because of the conflict and did not thoughts of southerners like Mansour, is on Wednesday 6 July the Irish peacekeepers leave them. “Such things can never be being revived. held a memorial to remember fallen forgotten, of course.” comrades. A Mass was held, a bagpiper Ali Dakik, another Tibnin store owner The Irish soldiers who have served before whose hope that the Irish would return to played somber music as officers laid a wreath and troops saluted at the Tibnin memorial don’t see much in change in the southerner’s the same area had come true, now has hospitality these days _ “Still warm as an opportunity to again greet his old Irish that is dedicated to the 47 Irish peacekeepers who died in southern Lebanon. ever”, as Petty officer Robbie Doyle put it. friends and meet the new ones. In his But it was noticeable for them the stability words, the Irish peacekeepers became part Two days later, the Irish Battalion welcomed and economic development the country of the family. It is incomplete without them. at its Camp Shamrock UNIFIL Force has witnessed over the years. “The relationship with the Irish battalion Commander Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas. “Everywhere you go the Lebanese Army is went beyond just a relationship between around, they have the checkpoints and so on. members of the United Nations and the “The contributions of Irish peacekeepers to That tells me that normality is coming back to locals,” Dakik recalled of the past years. UNIFIL go back to 1978, as old as UNIFIL. the south of Lebanon, that Lebanese Army “There are some Irish soldiers who got They have lost brave soldiers in the service can take over and we will go home in due married to Lebanese women. They worked of peace in this dear land. I am proud to course,” Sergeant Tony Grehan said. on the ground, they visited the people and have you here,” Major-General Asarta said. the villages. These are things that reflected For Sergeant-Major Noel O’Callaghan most For his part, Lieutenant-Colonel Frank Bolger, felt is the improvement in infrastructure. “It positively on the relationship between the the Commanding Officer of the Irish Battalion, gives me a great hope that UNIFIL has made Irish and the civilians.” said: "It is of vital importance that we work a great difference here, that I had made a Ireland was one of the first contributors to in close cooperation and coordination difference.” UNIFIL, providing troops since its onset. with the Lebanese Armed Forces for the They remained deployed during some of implementation of UNIFIL's mandate and to Rania Bdeir UNIFIL Public Information Maroun al-Ras:

A survivor amid regional tensions Its strategic location overlooking a vast area has long lured colonialists. Its proximity to the frontier has earned it additional exposure in past decades, and with that a fair share of the regional tensions. Its archaeology speaks of a long history, Maroun al-Ras' relationship with the UN residents to use septic tanks. Electricity, from mysterious sketches etched on dates back to the United Nations Truce or the lack of it, is another problem for the walls of a cave to the arches and Supervision Organization (UNTSO). Its Maroun al-Ras. People rely on generators sarcophagus carved from alongside residents maintained the best relations with to compensate for shortages as with many medium-sized columns and the pottery that the UN military observers based in the town other areas of the country. are occasionally found by the villagers. over the years, and later established the The population of Maroun al-Ras varies Its name might suggest that it is a Christian same cordial relationship with UNIFIL troops. seasonally and there are no accurate town, named after the founder of the In the last four years, UNIFIL spent 90,000 estimates. However, according to figures Maronite sect, Maroun. In fact, Maroun al- dollars on community projects in the town, available to the municipality, there are Ras is inhabited by Shia Muslims. Digging said Mayor Alawiyeh. He considers UNIFIL in all 6,000 people from Maroun al-Ras up information about Maroun al-Ras is no to have become an essential part of Maroun residing in Lebanon and this number easy task; some references indicate that al-Ras, thus contributing to better living would double when factoring in the the town’s composite name originates from conditions for the townspeople. overseas emigrants. About 2,500 reside the ancient Aramaic language, with Maroun Maroun al-Ras had its share of destruction in the town’s 400-odd houses year round, meaning “lord’ or “noble man” whereas al- during the 2006 war. Places of worship rising to some 4,000 during weekends Ras refers to the “top” reflecting the fact that alongside 200 of its houses were destroyed, and holidays. The Municipal Council Maroun al-Ras is the highest point in the while 80 others were badly damaged, said comprises 15 members and Maroun al- Jabal Amel region. the mayor. Nevertheless, Maroun al-Ras has Ras has three Mukhtars. Maroun al-Ras sits on a 950-metre-high managed in the last five years to pick up the Residents make their living from growing hill, 125 kilometres southeast of Beirut, 50 pieces and rebuild. tobacco, olives and grain, in addition to kilometres south of Nabatiyeh, and two The Lebanese government funded the remittance from migrants abroad who send kilometres from Bint Jbeil. Its dry climate restoration of damaged property while money to their families on a regular basis. year round has long attracted visitors. private contributions from abroad helped A pond collecting rainwater and wells The town suffered during the years of Israeli in the reconstruction of destroyed houses, provide irrigation for farming as well as occupation, said Mayor Ibrahim Alawiyeh. four mosques and three husseiniyahs. tap water for the town. A resident has Some residents died in the conflict, others Since 2010, a public garden established donated two ambulances for the town but were detained for a period of time in the by Iran began attracting domestic tourism, inhabitants still have to travel to nearby Bint Khyam and Ansar prison camps and yet generating income for the Municipality. Jbeil town for medical treatment. Children others moved to Beirut or to Tyr and other Mayor Alawiyeh has plans for expansion to attend school in nearby towns after two southern towns. Some chose to migrate to include stores and restaurants at the park. local public schools were closed down due countries like the United States, Australia But the town lacks the basic infrastructure, to insufficient attendance. and Germany. such as a sewage network, forcing Sultan Sleiman UNIFIL Civil Affairs

14 15 Issue 10 Oct 11 Mayor’s Word

A deep-rooted relationship with the UN The town of Maroun al-Ras has a deep-rooted relationship with both the United Nations and peacekeeping troops. The military observers of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO), established after the 1948 war, have for many years maintained a base in Maroun al-Ras until 2010. Being popular guests, townspeople offered them the best hospitality possible throughout their long stay in the town.

In 1978, following the first Israeli facilitate the demarcation of the Line As for the relationship between the invasion of southern Lebanon, UNIFIL of Israeli Withdrawal, known as the municipality and UNIFIL, there is peacekeepers deployed in accordance Blue Line. Their mission also aimed continued cooperation and coordination with United Nations Security Council at ensuring better living conditions for between both sides at a very high level resolutions 425 and 426. The UNIFIL farmers while carrying out their daily work through regular meetings designed to position on the outskirts of Maroun al-Ras in fields and orchards. follow up the developments in order has changed hands between Ireland During all this long history of UNIFIL to improve interaction between UNIFIL and France. This period included the presence in Maroun al-Ras, we can say peacekeepers and the local community. watershed event that changed Lebanon’s that the relationship between the United Finally, on behalf of Maroun al-Ras face, namely the achievement of the Nations troops and townspeople was very townspeople, I would like to thank liberation of the south in 2000. good and unique, on both the social and all those who came as guests to our After the end of the war in August 2006, developmental levels. UNIFIL’s role in the country, loved it, contributed to the and under United Nations Security development programmes has increased steadfastness of our people and assisted Council resolution 1701, the presence after the 2006 war. Different fields of in improving their living conditions. of UNIFIL has been enhanced and its cooperation have emerged, in ways that Wishing for our beloved Lebanon all role was strengthened. UNIFIL was ensure the steadfastness of our people prosperity and progress for the better, tasked with supporting the Lebanese in their land and homes. This included we also wish UNIFIL success in the productive and entertainment projects for Armed Forces (LAF) to supervise the implementation of its tasks, and hope farmers and residents as well as a basketball implementation of this resolution [1701]. that all its troops return to their home court constructed by UNIFIL Italian Battalion; countries safely and carrying the best Furthermore, UNIFIL Belgian a dispensary equipped by UNIFIL Qatari memories. peacekeepers moved to our town with Battalion; and a mini football court still under a mission to clear mines in order to construction by UNIFIL French Battalion. Mayor of Maroun al-Ras Ibrahim Alawiyeh UNIFIL and LAF in largest naval drill

In the largest such exercise, UNIFIL Maritime Task Force vessels joined Lebanese Armed Forces Navy ships in a Naval Cadet Training Cruise in the maritime area between Lebanon and Cyprus. Six ships took part in the 29-30 June, established between the MTF and the cooperation between the two naval 2011 operation. From the MTF, FGS Mosel Lebanese Navy,” Major-General Asarta said. forces are remarkable. They allow us to and FGS Hyaene of Germany and BNS The Force Commander emphasized the foresee the accomplishment of MTF’s Osman (Bangladesh) deployed. The ships importance of close cooperation between main goal that is to hand over the LNS Tabarja, LNS Sour and LNS Damour UNIFIL and LAF in all matters related to territorial waters responsibilities to the participated from the LAF Navy. training. LAF Navy. The joint action was an outstanding UNIFIL Maritime Task Force is the first Besides the MTF’s efforts to enhance the opportunity for LAF Navy ships to conduct naval component of a UN peacekeeping LAF Navy’s capacity, LAF Navy has also sea trials, and showcase their operational mission. Deployed since 2006 at the been receiving some important donation development. During the exercise, ships request of the Lebanese Government, from different countries in recent years. got underway with “engines ahead full”, MTF supports the Lebanese Navy in The donations include 10 patrol boats conducted “tactical manoeuvres”, "light monitoring its territorial waters to prevent from the United Arab Emirates, two police line" (mail transfer at sea), “firing exercise” the unauthorized entry of arms or related boats and one patrol boat from Germany on a drifting target called "killer tomato", materials by sea into Lebanon. and a patrol boat from France. “fire fighting drills” and “launching chaff MTF has conducted continuous work Another important contribution came grenades” with a fast reaction against air executing Maritime Interdiction Operation from Germany in the form of building strike simulation. along the Lebanese coast and inside the eight Coastal Radar Stations (CRS), with UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Area of Maritime Operation (AMO). It also another one to be established later. The Alberto Asarta Cuevas joined me and the provides technical training in order to aim is to close all the gaps along the coast. LAF Navy Commander, Rear Admiral Nazih develop the capabilities and skills of the These CRS allow the LAF Navy to keep a Baroud, on board German Supply Ship Lebanese Navy. maritime picture and surveillance covering FGS Mosel to observe the exercise. MTF training contribution to LAF Navy round the clock and 100 percent of their “I have noted the positive outcome of has been increasing over the years in territorial waters. the exercise as further testimony to both quantity and quality. The results Rear Admiral Luiz Henrique Caroli the excellent relations that have been achieved after almost five years of Commander Maritime Task Force

16 17 Issue 10 Oct 11 In show of support, UNIFIL vehicles delivered to Lebanese Army

From the mammoth Armoured Personnel Carriers of the French contingent to the civilian four-wheel-drive vehicles of Mission Support - and don’t forget the computer equipment - UNIFIL is contributing in yet one more way to strengthening the capability of the Lebanese Armed Forces. These donations - on top of patrolling enhance the operational capabilities of the on land, at sea and in the air as well as LAF to assume full and effective security assistance to the local population - are control over UNIFIL’s Area of Operation, in testament of UNIFIL’s own consistent compliance with resolution 1701.” campaign with the international community Since August 2010, UNIFIL has donated for supporting the LAF with the technical 169 four-wheel-drive vehicles and dozens of and material resources it requires to fulfill its computer sets to the LAF. vital responsibilities in line with UN Security Council resolution 1701. Through these donations, said Director In the biggest yet contribution, France on of Mission Support Girish Sinha, UNIFIL 23 June 2011 transferred to the LAF eight continues to demonstrate its support VAB carriers which served in the French for the Lebanese government and contingent of UNIFIL. cooperation with LAF. The French Ambassador to Lebanon, Denis “UNIFIL is committed to the continued Commander, Brigadier-General Rifaat Pietton, said the handover showed “France’s donation of surplus vehicles and equipment Choukor, said the aid the army receives commitment to training the Lebanese Army to LAF as and when possible to enable the serves local and international stability. and to continue supporting it.” Lebanese Army accomplish its obligations under UN Security Council resolution 1701,” Brigadier-General Choukor renewed UNIFIL Chief of Staff and France’s top general Sinha added. in Lebanon at the time, Brigadier-General Lebanon’s commitment to resolution 1701 Xavier de Woillemont, described the event Speaking at the ceremony at UNIFIL and praised UNIFIL for “proving day after day as “a reflection of both France’s and UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura on 23 June, its good performance and right orientation.” continued and sustained commitment to the representative of the Lebanese Army Samir F. Ghattas UNIFIL Public Information UN pulls together in the face of tragedy Tragedy has struck the UN family in different ways. Be it a plane crash in Africa, a raid on UN offices in Afghanistan, an earthquake which leveled the headquarters in Haiti and the latest bombing of the UN compound in Nigeria, it has claimed lives or harmed the innocent. UNIFIL buglers play somber tune

Sharing the pain: UNIFIL members pay tribute to victims of the bombing of UN offices in Nigeria Yet, the UN presses ahead with its laid wreaths in front of two pictures showing were attacked by roadside bombs in mission, keeping the peace or building on the devastation wrought on the UN offices Lebanon, injuring 12 soldiers in two it in places, assisting the communities in in Abuja 26 August. A military band played separate incidents. UNIFIL said it will not need in others and working for humanity’s solemn music as UNIFIL soldiers saluted be deterred and will continue to perform its development worldwide. and civilian staff members stood in silence. tasks under its mandate. In each of the incidents, whether a natural The Force Commander said in a speech A continent away, in Africa, Deputy disaster or a deliberate attack, the UN that the tragic incident is a reminder of the Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro family pulled together in the face of crisis. risks undertaken by UN staff members who described the attack in Nigeria as “an At UNIFIL in southern Lebanon, such often work in difficult conditions in order to assault not just on our premises, but on our solidarity was embodied in a ceremony on 1 bring peace and prosperity to people they values and our work: development, human September to pay tribute to those killed or serve. As part of honouring the fallen UN rights and peace.” injured in the bombing of the UN compound staff members, Major-General Asarta said After visiting the site where 23 people were in Abuja, Nigeria. UNIFIL is “determined to make every effort killed, including 11 UN staff members, and to contribute to the achievement of peace Head of Mission and Force Commander 130 injured, Migiro added: “Terrorists can and stability in southern Lebanon.” Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas and never kill our ideals.” Director of Mission Support Girish Sinha Only a few months earlier, UNIFIL convoys Samir F. Ghattas UNIFIL Public Information

18 19 Issue 10 Oct 11 UNIFIL Radio Program “Salam from the South” a 10-minute episode every two weeks broadcast in Arabic on stations Al-Risala, Sawt El-Mada, Voice of Lebanon and Voice of the People brings voices of the people of south Lebanon and their views on UNIFIL, and at the same time explains the peacekeepers’ activities in the Area of Operation.

“Discover UNIFIL in 60 Seconds” a video rich in action that depicts UNIFIL troops conducting various tasks and in just 1 minute highlights one of those many activities in south Lebanon, such as the Blue Line marking and patrolling. The clip airs on Lebanese stations NBN, New TV and TeleLiban.

UNIFIL on the Web The UNIFIL website (http://unifil.unmissions.org) in both English and Arabic is continuously updated with the latest in news, photos, radio and video about the Mission, its history and past and current activities, along with a whole range of background information, from troop strength and Troop Contributing Countries to related UN documents and Secretary- General’s reports.

You can also follow us on facebook UNIFIL-PIO/UNIFILVIDEOUNIT twitter (UNIFILSpokesman) YouTube www.youtube.com/UNIFILVIDEOUNIT flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/unifil) A UNIFIL soldier takes time off to show a Lebanese boy how to beat the traditional South Korean drum