For Free Distribution Not For Sale

February 2009 - no.04 Nabih Berri Jimmy Carter

I LIKE ... PEACEbecause it is siIent, no smoke, no fire I like peace, because it is silent. No smoke, no fire, no killing, so everybody we like will stay alive.

For people who like to fight we should tell them not to fight or to make wars or to kill, to live in a better way

Rayan Ayoub 7-year old from South Editorial Because peace is silent… ‘Peace’ has many meanings. Based on the context and our own experiences, we each understand ‘peace’ in different ways. It can be a very personal striving for self-fulfilment or it can be a global quest for universal harmony. In whatever sense or form we may seek peace, and we all do, it is achieved by reconciling the conflicts, spiritual or mundane, that we encounter individually or collectively. Rooted in decades of violent strife, the longing for peace among the people of south Lebanon is inevitably conditioned by myriad rights and obligations that must accompany, indeed precede, its fulfilment [see feature on page 10].

In this backdrop, an unqualified invocation of with the Italian NGO ‘COSV’. Find out how this peace by a little boy from south Lebanon came civic imperative is being made into a productive as a powerful reminder that although peace enterprise for the community. may be a negotiated outcome, ultimately it is worthwhile to pursue peace simply for peace Former US President Jimmy Carter had a tryst sake. A plain statement from the purity of a with UNIFIL since the very establishment of the child’s mind, it is this sublime tribute to the mission in 1978. He has since been engaged ‘silent’ virtues of ‘peace’ that inspires this in conflict resolution in the Middle East mainly edition of ‘Al Janoub’. through the work of the ‘Carter Center’. His visit to UNIFIL last month was a befitting realisation The ‘Photo Feature’ carries artistic expressions of a long awaited appointment. We carry an of ‘peace’ as visualised by young painters exclusive interview with President Carter. from south Lebanon. On the International Day of Peace, we invited students from different Our special features for the New Year also schools to paint their visions of peace on the include articles from the Lebanese Parliament walls of the UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura. Speaker Nabih Berri and UNIFIL Force Even as rains begin to fade the wall paintings, Commander Major-General Claudio Graziano. we hope to preserve the wondrous depictions From this edition, we expand our regular of peace in the pages of ‘Al Janoub’. column ‘Mayor’s Word’ to include a profile Where such higher ideals inspire peacekeepers of the same municipality - this time it is the on mission, check out what motivates a ‘sheep- village of Chebaa. In attempting this, we are keeper’ as this man likes to call himself: “the conscious of the dangers in trying to fill gaps wag of a tail, a lick of gratitude”. In a first-hand in available records with anecdotal accounts, account of the veterinary assistance offered often disputed and sometimes irreconcilable. by UNIFIL’s Indian Battalion for over 20,000 Without claims for authenticity of historical livestock in nine villages of south Lebanon, research, we present this column merely as we witness the zealous UNIFIL Vet transcend information assimilated from varied sources, human bounds of peacekeeping. written or oral. We hope our readers will enjoy this narrative and we welcome comments or And then ‘peace’ goes beyond just factual corrections. living beings to include the totality of our surroundings. Mindful of its environmental The ‘Al Janoub’ team wishes all its readers a ‘footprint’ on Lebanese soil, UNIFIL has happy and prosperous New Year. joined a pilot project for waste recycling in the Neeraj Singh municipality of Kherbet Selem in collaboration Editor-in-Chief Contents

Editorial Because peace is silent… 3

Opinion Berri: Hoping that 2009 5 | 6 will be the year of peace

Interview Carter: Prospects of peace 7 in southern Lebanon

Special Feature Major General Claudio Graziano: 8 | 9 A window of opportunity ‘Al Janoub’ for sustainable peace is published bimonthly by UNIFIL Office of Public Information

Photo feature A Day with UNIFIL 10 | 11

Publisher Design/Graphics Milos Strugar Zeina Ezzeddine Editor-in-Chief Editorial support Vox Pops International Peace Day: Voices 12 Neeraj Singh Denise Abou Zeid of peace from south Lebanon Senior editors Editorial advisor Omar Aboud Hassan Siklawi Andrea Tenenti Photographers Environment UNIFIL supports environment 13 Roxaneh Bazergan Benjamin Habada friendly initiatives Production Evans Adune Ramin Francis Assadi Mohammad Hamze Suzane Badereddine Chebaa A timeless abode in the 14 mountains of south Lebanon Al Janoub contact

Tel. +961 1 827 020 Email [email protected] +961 1 827 068 Fax +961 1 827 016 Mayor's Word UNIFIL brings many benefits 15 to the municipality of Chebaa 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 the reprint are sent to the Editor-in-Chief of Al Janoub. Humanitarian A ‘sheep-keeper’ amidst 16 | 18 peacekeepers The logo ‘ ’ is a calligraphic representation of the word ‘Al Janoub’ in Youth day with UNIFIL Equipping the school in Al Duhayayra Day Nursery in Ayta ash Shaab Colour correction and printing ‘Community Centre’ in Blida

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. Opinion

Hoping that 2009 will be the year of peace

“UNIFIL has provided educational, health, sports and social services for every town and village within its area of operations.”

On the occasion of the New Year, Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri sent the following message to UNIFIL...

“At this time when many speak of very rapid, regarding every word, awareness as well as the positive and the possibility of the issuance of a UN sentence, comma and full stop that flexible nature of the people south of resolution to stop the Israeli war in Gaza, had to be worked out in order to arrive the Litani river, who have been greatly similar to UN Security Council resolution at the draft for resolution 1701. cooperating with the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL, as they have always 1701, I find myself recollecting memories The resistance of the Lebanese done since the first deployment of the of the difficult times we experienced population in the face of the Israeli as we were engaging in a political and UNIFIL forces in March 1978 based on regular Army, which maintains the resolutions 425 and 426. diplomatic tussle to secure the issuance mightiest and most modern military of a UN Security Council resolution arsenal in the Middle East, was However, the main issue that that would lead to full cessation of fundamental in creating the balance that continues to hinder steps towards the hostilities and of the Israeli war against enabled us to reach a fair solution in the implementation of Resolution 1701, Lebanon. This would lead to the course of the negotiations. as is widely known by all including the return of a million and a half displaced UN forces operating in South Lebanon people to their homes and properties Today, at this political moment, with (UNIFIL), is Israel’s violation of Lebanese and to commencing the efforts for UNIFIL deployed in South Lebanon in sovereignty, by air and by sea, daily and alleviating the effects of the war with pursuance of Resolution 1701, and continuously, and this goes on despite the arrival of new UNIFIL forces, in order after three decades, we proudly see the Truce Treaty of 1949 and despite to implement the provisions of that the Lebanese Army steadily asserting the dozens of UN resolutions, of which resolution and particularly to assist the its strong presence in the southern 1701 was the latest. Lebanese Army in deploying up to the border area. This reassures Lebanese At the same time, in violation of this Line of Withdrawal. citizens that the state is now present resolution, Israel continues to occupy on both the security and defence I remember the pressures and the the Lebanese part of the village of levels, notwithstanding its need for moments of anxiety we experienced, Ghajjar and has not undertaken any reinforcement in number and equipment. during which the international, Arab steps to hand over to the United and regional intercommunication were Most important is the level of Nations the responsibility for the Opinion

Speaker Nabih Berri (left) with Former US President Jimmy Carter (centre) and UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Claudio Graziano in a meeting at the Speaker's Office in , 10 December 2008

Lebanese Shebaa Farms. Here I would like to recall that UNIFIL, the municipalities, Mokhtars, Civil since it first assumed its duties in Society institutions, parliamentarians From the above facts it is clear that the South Lebanon on 21 March 1978, and political leaders represents an work, the role and the mission of the has made the ultimate sacrifice of 280 ethical and humanitarian model of UNIFIL forces in South Lebanon based peacekeepers, from the best of its peacekeeping operations in the world. on resolution 1701, is hindered by officers and soldiers who fell victims Israel, in the exact same way as was On the occasions of Adha festivities, for the sake of the peacekeeping the case with resolutions 425 and 426. Christmas, New Year and the first operation in South Lebanon. In contrast, the Lebanese position has day of the Hijri Calendar, I have great Additionally, since their deployment been characterized by its endeavour pleasure in extending my warmest under resolution 1701 peacekeepers congratulations to the UNIFIL forces, to implement all its commitments have been killed from the Spanish its Force Commander General Claudio regarding the international resolutions. Unit working with UNIFIL, who were Graziano and all officers, soldiers and the target of a terrorist attack, besides On the other hand, and in light of civilian personnel, both international a number of others conducting the role and missions of the UNIFIL and local, working with UNIFIL. forces throughout the thirty years of its mines and cluster bombs clearance presence on Lebanese soil, we must operations. I ask God, despite the persistent Israeli violations, that 2009 be the commend its humanitarian role and Today, we are attentively following year of comprehensive and just good deeds for the residents of South up on the humanitarian interaction peace in the Middle East, so that the Lebanon. During the Israeli occupation and the civic services provided by peacekeepers of UNIFIL, as well as (1978 - 2000), it has contributed to UNIFIL in the areas of its deployment. the truce observers team (UNTSO) and easing the Israeli army’s restrictions and We are confident that the humane UNDOF in the Golan Heights, return to its provocative and arbitrary practices texture represented by the friendship their homes and families and the area and measures. Furthermore, UNIFIL between the people of the South and thrives in stability and prosperity.” has provided educational, health, sports UNIFIL, represented by the ongoing and social services for every town and relations with Liaison Offices of the Nabih Berri village within its area of operations. Lebanese Army, local authorities in Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament

6 7 Issue 04 Feb. 09 Issue 04 Feb. Interview Prospects of peace Carter: in southern Lebanon When Former US President Jimmy Carter visited UNIFIL on 10 December, Al Janoub’s Toby Harward took the opportunity to get his impressions on the prospects of peace in southern Lebanon -from the historical, regional and global perspective- and specifically in the context of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and UNIFIL’s mission.

Having briefly visited southern Lebanon, I put great pressure on Israel. UNIFIL a permanent ceasefire and a long- what is your impression of the area? was established. This helped to create a term solution to the conflict. I strongly With peace, southern Lebanon would climate in which I could bring Sadat and encourage all parties to seize this have additional potential for development. Prime Minister Menachem Begin of Israel opportunity to work towards peace. I believe that UN Security Council together for peace talks at Camp David in How optimistic are you that Resolution Resolution 1701 offers the best process September. 1701 (2006) can be fully implemented for achieving peace and stability, as long and a permanent cease-fire and a as all parties carry out their obligations. “The special problem in long-term solution reached in the I was impressed by the natural beauty current political environment? of southern Lebanon and am confident Lebanon of dealing with that this could become an attraction unexploded cluster bombs UNIFIL is doing a very important job on the ground. The mission has the strong for tourists. I also saw the scars of the inspires me to point out the 2006 conflict. Rebuilding of villages and support of the international community replacement of infrastructure are needed. promise and importance of and this must continue. However, it is The lands contain unexploded munitions the treaty banning cluster the parties to the conflict that have the that continue to maim and kill civilians, primary responsibility for implementing and these must be removed. munitions, signed by 120 Resolution 1701. The special problem in Lebanon of nations last week in Oslo. I believe that the resolution can be dealing with unexploded cluster bombs I hope to see more nations implemented successfully and I hope to inspires me to point out the promise and encourage the sustained commitment, importance of the treaty banning cluster add their signatures, both of the international community and munitions, signed by 120 nations last including my own."” of the parties, to achieve enduring peace week in Oslo. I hope to see more nations in southern Lebanon. add their signatures, including my own. There has been some criticism of the As a new American President prepares UN for being too costly and doing too UNIFIL was first established following to take office, how hopeful are you that little. In this context, having seen the the Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon tangible progress can be achieved in situation on the ground, how do you during your Presidency in 1978. What the Middle East peace process in the view UNIFIL? effect did Israel’s invasion have on the short to medium-term future? Camp David talks? UNIFIL, together with the Lebanese I am definitely hopeful. President-elect Armed Forces, has helped to establish a In early 1977, I began working with Obama has said that he will begin to new level of security in southern Lebanon. President Anwar Sadat of Egypt and pursue peace early in his term. Unlike the There are significant costs associated the Israelis to achieve peace in the area. situation during the previous 16 years, to with such a complex operation, but the This process was threatened in March start dealing with this difficultprocess when cost of the periodic conflicts that we 1978 when commandos of the Palestine he has a maximum amount of influence have had in this area far exceeds that of Liberation Organization from Lebanon and popularity is a very wise move. peacekeeping. attacked Israel, killing thirty-three civilians I believe President Obama understands and two soldiers. Israel retaliated by The presence of UNIFIL has created the importance of bringing peace to invading southern Lebanon. Many non- a window of opportunity to enhance the Middle East and that he will provide combatants died and suffered. political and diplomatic efforts to achieve leadership for a new and better approach. A window of opportunity for sustainable peace

Major-General Graziano conducting President during his visit to UNIFIL headquarters on 27 December 2008. President Suleiman was accompanied by Defence Minister Elias Murr, Lebanese Army Commander General Jean Kahwagi and Director of the Sureté General Major General Wafic Jezzini. Since its establishment by the Security Council on 19 March 1978, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has faced some difficult and demanding challenges. Let me recall, in particular, the Mission’s key role in contributing to overall stability and protecting the local population during Israel’s occupation of southern Lebanon from 1982 until 2000. Following the July-August 2006 crisis, soldiers from 30 troop contributing a view to preventing and/or verifying on 11 August 2006 the Security countries and is supported by 1,150 the facts of any violations of resolution Council adopted resolution 1701, which civilian international and local staff. This 1701 that are important for maintaining significantly enhanced UNIFIL’s mandate includes military personnel serving as part the cessation of hostilities agreement. In to respond to the changed situation on the of the UNIFIL Maritime Task Force, the addition, UNIFIL engages in a number ground. Under the new mandate UNIFIL, first naval component that has ever been of CIMIC and humanitarian activities in in addition to carrying out its original established in support of a United Nations support of the local population. functions, was tasked with monitoring peacekeeping mission. At sea, the deployment of the Maritime the cessation of hostilities and the Israeli In close coordination and cooperation Task Force along the Lebanese coast withdrawal as well as supporting the with the Lebanese army, UNIFIL is doing at the request of the Government of Lebanese Armed Forces as they deployed its utmost to ensure security and stability Lebanon has proved a valuable tool for throughout southern Lebanon to be the in the area at all times. UNIFIL troops the implementation of relevant provisions legal entity in charge of security, law and actively monitor developments in the area of resolution 1701, assisting the Lebanese order in the region. UNIFIL also assisted in of operations from permanent positions, navy in preventing illegal transfers of arms ensuring humanitarian access to civilians in by conducting ground patrols on a daily or related material into the country. Further, need and the voluntary and safe return of basis as well as through regular air patrols. the Force has been providing extensive displaced persons. UNIFIL troops also perform important training to the Lebanese Navy in order Today, UNIFIL comprises about 12,500 liaison and investigation functions with to enhance its operational capabilities in

8 9 Issue 04 Feb. 09 Issue 04 Feb. Special feature

General Jean Kahwagi, with Major-General Graziano, taking the salute from the UNIFIL Guard of Honour during his visit to Naqoura on 12 September 2008, soon after assuming command of the Lebanese Armed Forces

Over the past two years, UNIFIL has been strive with determination to address the working together with the LAF through challenges that may lie ahead, our role as “Today, UNIFIL is one of the various joint activities, ranging from the a peacekeeping force is to maintain and largest UN peacekeeping establishment of coordinated checkpoints support a peace that all the parties that to the conduct of joint counter-rocket agreed to resolution 1701 can adhere to operations on the ground… launching operations. I am very pleased over the long term. With a total annual budget with the level of cooperation which The former head of UN peacekeeping, UNIFIL and the LAF have enjoyed to date. of nearly 700 million dollars, Under-Secretary-General Jean-Marie Significant progress has been achieved, Guéhenno, said: “We, the peacekeepers, UNIFIL is a tangible proof of resulting in a constructive relationship provide a window of opportunity. We based on mutual understanding and trust. the international community’s stabilize a situation. We create an interest in achieving a The commitment of all the parties to the environment in which a political process cessation of hostilities is a precondition for can be consolidated, but that window permanent ceasefire and a our ability to accomplish our mandated at some point closes if it’s not used to long-term solution for peace tasks. To date, the parties have maintained solidify the politics and also to make in southern Lebanon.” their commitment to resolution 1701, a difference in terms of the lives of the enabling UNIFIL to carry out its mission as people.” mandated by the Security Council, with the agreement of all the parties. I believe that, in assisting the LAF restore the areas of maritime border security and stability in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL smuggling prevention. The international community’s commitment has successfully created a window of to UNIFIL and to Lebanon also remains It is pertinent to mention here that in opportunity for the process towards strong. Today, UNIFIL is one of the largest our activities in the service of peace in achieving a permanent ceasefire and UN peacekeeping operations on the southern Lebanon, UNIFIL has had the long-term solution; but this opportunity full cooperation of the Lebanese Armed ground, second only to MONUC which, will not last forever. It is now up to all the Forces (LAF) and this has been crucial in deployed across the entire Democratic parties concerned to take advantage of this the implementation of our mandate under Republic of Congo, covers an area of the window of opportunity to achieve the long- resolution 1701. It should be noted, in size of Western Europe. With a total annual term solution envisaged in resolution 1701. budget of nearly 700 million dollars, UNIFIL this context, that the deployment of the I strongly believe that sustainable peace Lebanese army throughout the south, is a tangible proof of the international community’s interest in achieving a and security is achievable in southern for the first time in over three decades, Lebanon. The road ahead may not always is one of the biggest achievements since permanent ceasefire and a long-term solution for peace in southern Lebanon. be easy but I am confident that with the the cessation of hostilities in August support of the people of southern Lebanon 2006. Since then, the Lebanese army Over the past two years, this commitment and the continued commitment of the has assumed primary responsibility for has borne fruits. In cooperation with the parties concerned, UNIFIL together with ensuring security in southern Lebanon, Lebanese Armed Forces, UNIFIL has the Lebanese Armed Forces, shall succeed as in the rest of the country. UNIFIL is achieved significant progress towards the in overcoming the obstacles on the way. working shoulder to shoulder with the implementation of several key aspects of LAF, assisting them in this important and resolution 1701 (2006). Yet more remains Major General Claudio Graziano complex endeavour. to be done. While UNIFIL will continue to Force Commander, UNIFIL

On the International Day of Peace, 21 September 2008, we invited students from different schools of south Lebanon to paint their visions of peace on the walls of the UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura. Girls and boys from the following schools participated: Lebanese Evangelical School Yarine Intermediate Governmental School Alma Chaab Governmental High-School Imam Sadr Foundation

Vox Pops International Peace Day Voices of peace from south Lebanon Head of the Municipality of Tyre Abdul Mohsen Al Husseini: “Every person who believes in God, his land and his On the occasion of International people loves peace. We love peace, but a just and st honourable peace, a peace that preserves our rights Day of Peace last September 21 , and deters aggressions against us.” UNIFIL’s Civil Affairs Officer Head of the Municipality of Teir Debba Hussein Saad: Sultan Sleiman travelled around “Our country suffered a lot from the misfortunes and wars extending over thirty years, so peace is important south Lebanon, recording for Lebanese in general and southerners in particular. spontaneous messages of peace We see no peace that could be achieved without the implementation of the international resolutions.” from various political and media Dentist from Maroun El Rass Wissam Hamadi: personalities. And then just on “Unfortunately the concept of peace has become vaguely defined, but there remains a major role for impulse he put the mike to a the UN to preserve peace and develop it. The role of the international organization must be activated seven year old boy, a clincher… to achieve world peace, and it must be given wider powers in this domain.”

Member of Parliament from El Khiam Ali Hassan El Khalil: Ibrahim Bayram, a writer for ‘An Nahar’ newspaper: “We aspire for the moment when peace will prevail, “We look at the International forces operating in South based on the right of people to live under the framework Lebanon hoping that it would be a factor of stability of respect for international laws. We aspire for a peace and peace for us, for peace is a basic and constant that preserves the rights of the people in our area: their imperative for us southerners because we have right to liberate their land, to defend it and to remain in it. suffered the most from wars.” We look forward to an active role of the United Nations, based on uniform standards in dealing with nations, Mariam El Bassam, Director of News and Political Programs for ‘New TV’: regardless of their relations, sizes and capabilities.” “We want that our people live without being assaulted for they assault no one, and every person Head of the Municipality of Marjeyoun Fouad Hamra: gets what is rightfully his, for peace shall not be “All human kind living on this earth must remember without our rights.” that there exists something in this world called peace. We have suffered much from the absence of peace in our area. So we say that we are thirsty for peace, for it Hussein Ayoub, journalist with ‘As Safir’ newspaper: gives us tranquillity, security and better life to be more “We in Lebanon yearn for peace… but it would be productive.” futile to seek peace that is specific to any individual, family, city or country, apart from peace sought for Yehya El Ali, Principal of the School in Chebaa: the entire world.” “Peace for us means that people of all nations on this earth live in security and stability, without any nation controlling another. It is about a man acknowledging Rayan Ayoub, a seven year old boy from Aynata : the existence of his brother in humanity, and it is “I like peace, because it is silent... no smoke, no fire, about nations and societies accepting each other. no killing... For people who like to fight we should tell Peace is civilizations and cultures coming together them not to fight, or to make wars or to kill... to live in and conversing among each other, whatever their a better way.” differences of views.”

12 13 Issue 04 Feb. 09 Issue 04 Feb. Environment UNIFIL supports environment friendly initiatives ‘Waste’ is a natural by-product of human activity: it is estimated that every person generates on an average between 0.5 and 1 kg of garbage every day. However, not every item we throw in the bins is garbage that should necessarily be destroyed. Some of these can be re-cycled and utilised again in many useful ways. Effective waste-management is an important civic responsibility, but also a productive enterprise that brings multiple economic and environmental benefits to society. UNIFIL has joined such an endeavour in the municipality of Kherbet Selem in collaboration with ‘COSV’, an Italian NGO. UNIFIL military camps and posts with their in setting up a “sorting at the source” approximately 12,500 troops, supported pilot activity. The idea was supported "With a clear win-win by international and local civilian staff, also by an awareness campaign as well as strategy, the project assists produce waste and, due to the nature a collection scheme and COSV also of their consumption, the waste stream supplied appropriate bins for segregating the UNIFIL base in Tibnin in consists mainly of plastic, aluminium and the garbage. It is at this stage that the reducing its environmental glass. These are items that can mostly involvement of UNIFIL in the “sorting at the be re-cycled for use and can therefore source” activity was considered useful in “footprint” (impact) on also serve as a source of income for the view of the nature of its waste generation, Lebanese soil, while re-cycling agency. It is with this aim that which has a high volume of waste products UNIFIL has joined the waste management that could be re-cycled to provide income providing the municipality project in Kherbet Selem as a pilot initiative. for the project. with an additional source of COSV has been supporting the waste The UNIFIL base in Tibnin was identified income through the sale of treatment facility in the municipality of as the perfect location to start from, given Kherbet Selem since 2007 through a project its proximity to the Kherbet Selem garbage the recyclable material." funded by the Italian Cooperation ‘ROSS’ facility and its manageable size for a pilot Program. The municipality runs the small project. The pilot project began in December assists the UNIFIL base in Tibnin in scale garbage treatment plant, built back 2007 when the Municipality of Kherbet reducing its environmental “footprint” in 2000, with managerial assistance and Selem, with the assistance of COSV, placed (impact) on Lebanese soil, while providing equipment provided by COSV. The project specially marked bins outside the dining the municipality with an additional source of would be sustainable in the long term if facilities of the UNIFIL base, where non- income through the sale of the recyclable the municipality could generate sufficient organic recyclable items could be disposed. material. This will help the project in revenue from re-cycled products in order After finishing their meals, UNIFIL soldiers becoming financially self-sustaining. to cover the running cost of the treatment put the plastic bottles, metallic cans and facility. However, this has not been possible glass items into the special bins kept for As the project progresses COSV, in due to the relatively small waste volume and the purpose. The sorted material is then coordination with UNIFIL, is assessing the because of lack of taxation. collected, processed in the waste treatment possibility of extending the experience to other UNIFIL bases across south Lebanon. To address this problem, as also to further facility and eventually sold in the market by the municipality of Kherbet Selem. improve the waste treatment cycle, COSV Federico De Nada - COSV Project Officer worked together with the Municipality With a clear win-win strategy, the project & Thomas Kontogeorgos - UNIFIL Civil Affairs CHEBA A:

Chebaa: A timeless abode in the mountains of south Lebanon The village of Chebaa is located on the rocky base of Mount El Sheikh (Haramon), 135 km south-east of Beirut. Being 1400 m above sea level, Chebaa experiences snowy winters and mild dry summers with a touch of humidity from its abundant springs, prominent being ‘Ain El Jawze’ and ‘Al Maghara’. The village is famous for its cherry, apple, plum, pear, berries and walnuts, as also for its mountain honey and dairy products. The Lebanese Ministry of Interior lists archaeological sites, particularly along Chebaa. But following the UN Security 30,000 inhabitants in Chebaa, of which the trails and valleys of Mount Hermon. A Council Resolution 425 (1978), a 20,000 have left the village. As the farm called “Mash’had Al Tayr” (bird’s view) Norwegian military unit of UNIFIL was political, social and economic centre of near Chebaa has an archaic shrine with deployed at the peripheries. the Arkoub area, Chebaa boasts of one of lofty arches, accurately engineered and Ousama El Zohairi, a resident of Chebaa its sons making it to the Parliament every surrounded by huge oak trees perhaps who was ten years old at the time, election, including the current Member Dr. of the same age. This place is sacred for relates their first acquaintance with the Kassem Hashem. all religious sects, for villagers believe that Norwegian Unit: “On a Sunday morning With no other inhabited area in a 12 km Prophet Abraham was born in the cave over in 1978, residents woke up to the radius, a trip to Chebaa is like travelling which this shrine was built. To the north of presence of soldiers wearing blue helmets into an altogether different time and Chebaa are ruins, known to the peasant as in white vehicles. Realising those were space. An inquiry into its origins is a “Shbib El Tabaii Castle” or “Antara Castle”, UN soldiers, the Mukhtar headed with natural impulse. that is believed to have been a pagan a group of eminent villagers towards temple for ancient worshippers of the Villagers claim that the word “Chebaa” the guests, carrying food for them. At Sun and the Moon. Prince Najem of the (‘Shabaa’ in Arabic) in the Aramaic first the Norwegians were surprised by Shehabi dynasty renovated the castle in language means “to fill oneself with this behaviour and assumed defensive the late 12th century. the abundance of water”. In the Syriac positions. But after the Mukhtar talked to language it means ‘Seven’, an allusion to In the late 1960s, Chebaa’s strategic them through a translator, a relationship the belief that seven major springs existed location brought it centre-stage in the was established that has since continued here, of which only three remain. Arab-Israeli conflict and the Palestine with UNIFIL peacekeepers - the Norwegian Liberation Organization (PLO) is said to Battalion, which left Chebaa in 1998 to be As to the origin of Chebaa’s inhabitants, replaced by the Indian Battalion.” the absence of reliable evidence has have established base here following generated multiple local legends – from the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. The Cairo Chebaa came under Israeli occupation in links to the Tatar and Mongol raids, Agreement of 1969 between Lebanon 1982. Stories abound about numerous to immigrations from Syria, Egypt and and the PLO affirmed the presence of confrontations with the Israeli army and Palestine: some say of people wanting to PLO fighters in Chebaa and neighbouring the large scale migrations that resulted. avoid conscription by the Turks; others towns in the Al Arkoub area, which got This led to a slow down in construction that they were highway robbers who the sobriquet “Fateh Land”. projects and the economy became found refuge in the mountainous terrain confined to agriculture and livestock In March 1978, when Israel invaded rearing. with abundant water. South Lebanon, the advance guard of Fuelling the myths are the many the Israeli Army reached the outskirts of Sultan Sleiman - UNIFIL Civil Affairs

14 15 Issue 04 Feb. 09 Issue 04 Feb. Mayor's Word

UNIFIL brings many benefits to the municipality of Chebaa Following the Israeli invasion of south Lebanon in 1978, the United Nations established UNIFIL as a peacekeeping force made up of several nationalities that was deployed in the south of Lebanon. It gave UNIFIL the task of observing the situation between Lebanon and Israel in addition to maintaining peace and security in this area. In the same year, UNIFIL’s Norwegian represented by the UNIFIL forces in contingent was given the task of observing our town, will continue to undertake the area between the Chebaa town and its some basic projects for the town, the "The productive occupied farms. requirements for which are too many to cooperation between In the year 1998, the Norwegian battalion list here. UNIFIL and Chebaa was replaced by the Indian battalion of UNIFIL has been offering a range of UNIFIL. humanitarian, social and developmental that was first Despite their main mission being the services to the people of Chebaa. These established in 1978, maintenance of peace and security in the include medical and veterinary services; has since remained area, the peacekeepers also reached out dental care; distribution of medicines to the people of Chebaa and engaged especially to those with chronic illnesses; on a firm footing and them with complete open mindedness, computer and English language classes continues during my especially with the mayor of the town at for school children and interested adults; the time (1978), Mohammad al Zahiri, field trips for school children; varied tenure since 2001." who welcomed the force and expressed a assistance to schools, both public and genuine desire to facilitate its work. There private; and establishment of a park for was a positive response from UNIFIL, as recreation of local children. All the projects evident from its humanitarian assistance and services were funded by the United by UNIFIL peacekeepers while carrying and services to the people of Chebaa. Nations at the request of the Norwegian, out their peace and security mission in Indian and Spanish battalions working the south and also for all the humanitarian Chebaa has suffered severe deprivation within UNIFIL. and social services offered by UNIFIL, in services and infrastructure for long especially those that Chebaa in particular decades because of Israeli occupation The productive cooperation between has benefited from. and lack of Lebanese State authority UNIFIL and Chebaa that was first in the area. Consequently, Chebaa established in 1978, has since remained We hope for the continuation of this has lagged far behind other parts of on a firm footing and continues during my solid cooperation between the Chebaa Lebanon in the development these areas tenure since 2001. Municipality and the civilian society on the witnessed, and direly lacks some of the one hand, and the UNIFIL forces on the On behalf of Chebaa Municipality, I would other, for the sake of peace and security basic living conditions with respect to like to express our sincere gratitude to for Lebanon and its people. health, environmental, developmental the United Nations, the Security Council and social needs. and the UN Force working in our area. Omar al Zahiri We hope that the United Nations, We highly appreciate the sacrifices made Mayor of Chebaa Municipality A ‘sheep-keeper’ amidst peacekeepers A year ago, on 15 January 2008, I joined UNIFIL’s Indian Battalion (INDBATT) in southern Lebanon as a veterinarian. Some would say an odd assignment in a peacekeeping mission, but I was well aware of the significance and enormity of the responsibility that awaited me. I had been briefed that veterinary aid is I was reminded of my instructor in the terrain being mountainous, people mostly an important element of the assistance war academy who so very often used to rear goats, but also cows, hunting dogs, offered by INDBATT to the local stress to us the importance of “mind over mules, poultry, cats and a few sheep. The population residing within its area of matter”. goats are mostly of the ‘Baladi’ breed, responsibility. With nine villages to cover, It came as a distress call from a shepherd but some high milk yielding breeds like in not the most hospitable of terrains and in the village of Chebaa. As I set out for ‘Shami’ and ‘’, native of Egypt no local veterinary doctors or facilities to his home with my interpreter Ousama, and Syria, are also reared. Cows are rely on, I had my job cut out for me. But people on the road stopped and greeted generally the high milk yielding varieties the true magnitude of my task was yet to me. Ousama told me I needed no of ‘Holstein Friesian’ breed, whereas the dawn on me, and with it the satisfaction introduction as the new veterinary doctor dogs are mostly ‘Pointers’. of treating animals that could not express because people recognized my vehicle Despite the high livestock population, themselves except by the wag of a tail, by its registration ‘UNIFIL 1212’, locally no veterinary or animal husbandry a lick of gratitude or an affectionate rub famous as the vet’s car. I was told the infrastructure exists in this area. against you. shepherd’s home was “just a little away Consequently in November 1998, since It was winter time when I arrived in the from the main village road”. That turned its first deployment with UNIFIL, INDBATT Mission and there was heavy snowfall out to be ‘just a little over one kilometre of introduced veterinary services as part of in the area. However, the Commander’s walk in just about 1012- inches of snow’. its humanitarian assistance programme. orders were clear: “No operational or 30 minutes later we were there: a lone The people heavily rely on the INDBATT humanitarian assistance activity will be house amidst a white blanket of snow. vet, and many from even outside our area curtailed due to weather conditions.” Khalil, the shepherd, explained that he of responsibility approach for help. had a few goats suffering from cold and Working to meet this direly felt need of one with a fractured foreleg. Treating the local population with limited facilities, "There are approximately the cold was routine, but the fracture I have had some enriching personal and 20,000 livestock in was another matter. Due to the weather professional experiences. One night, INDBATT’s area of condition and the pain the goat was in, it a farmer from the village of Al Wazzani would not allow me to set the fractured came to our veterinary clinic with his responsibility. The terrain bone right. After some hard labour and pregnant goat that had been in labour being mountainous, people a lot of persuasion with the animal, I was since morning but was unable to deliver. finally able to fix the bone and put it in a We provided manual assistance for mostly rear goats, but plaster. The goat limped up to me and two hours, but to no avail. Distressed also cows, hunting dogs, rubbed its forehead on my arms. Khalil by the goat’s suffering, the shepherd remarked: “Sir, it says thank you and came to me and said, “Hakim please mules, poultry, cats and a welcome to Lebanon”. give some injection to my goat so that it few sheep." There are approximately 20,000 livestock dies in peace.” I explained to him that a in INDBATT’s area of responsibility. The caesarean section could save his goat.

16 17 Issue 04 Feb. 09 Issue 04 Feb. Humanitarian

With his consent, we performed the change. For example, people like to use surgery under local anaesthesia and nerve "Most admirable is the an antibiotic called ‘oxytetracycline’ that block. Although the foetus was already they call “yellow medicine”. Initially I faced dead, the goat survived. unmatched hospitality of some resistance in using better and broad spectrum antibiotics, but having seen the Once, while on a round of villages to treat the … results over time they increasingly go along sick animals, I got an urgent call to return you just cannot leave a with my line of medication. A pleasant and to base. A dog from the village of Kleyaa helpful experience has been the ability of had been brought in considerable pain, home without eating or shepherds, including their women, to give with its equally distressed little master. The drinking something." injection to the animals. This has greatly father told me that out on the grounds the helped in my work, particularly in times of dog had spotted a porcupine and chased outbreak of diseases like goat plague or after it. In self-defence, the porcupine mixed with rat-poison. The sheep were contagious ecthyma. unleashed its lethal quills on the dog. The depressed and had shallow respiration owner had managed to remove most with weak pulse. The farmer was unable to Most admirable is the unmatched quills, but two remained embedded in the specify the type of poison. The sheep were hospitality of the Lebanese people. It body of the dog. I had to sedate the dog treated symptomatically and with activated seems like tea and coffee is forever ready with local anaesthesia and remove the charcoal. The next day when I visited to serve in their homes. Even when I am spines by aseptic surgery. In treating his Halta to enquire about their health, I was called to attend to a sick animal, before dog, it was like treating the little boy at the delighted to learn that all but one of them taking me to it, they will first offer me tea same time; the father related how the boy had fully recovered. or coffee. Sometimes it is fresh Lebanese never eats himself until he has fed the dog. In veterinary practice, prevention is bread, sometimes ‘manushe’ or yoghurt: you just cannot leave a home without There was then this shepherd from Halta always better than cure and more so in eating or drinking something. And of village who one night brought seven sheep herd animals like sheep and goat. If one course, whether it is Chebaa or Halta or that had accidentally consumed feed sheep or goat gets infected there is high possibility of this infection spreading to the Kafr Chouba, the common claim is that the larger herd. We have been working with milk from their cattle is the best because "… I needed no introduction the shepherds to enhance prevention and they graze on the grass that has medicinal most of the animals in the area are now value and is rich in minerals. as the new veterinary doctor worms free. I continue my daily rounds of villages, where I am often stopped by children because people recognized There have been varied and interesting politely asking me to check their animals experiences. On instances people have my vehicle by its registration before moving ahead. You cannot but come asking if I have any medicines to follow them home. ‘UNIFIL 1212’, locally famous kill snakes, or even to kill the pack of as the vet’s car." wolves that attack their goats. There are Lt. Col. Satvir Singh some local practices that are often hard to Veterinary Officer/UNIFIL Indian Battalion Issue 04 Feb. 09 es Saqi,DebinandQlayah. Chebaa, Khiam,KafrKela,Ebel students from Marjayoun, was visitedby20highschool headquarters inNaqoura On 28November, UNIFIL continued duringlastyear. youth outreach programme The ‘DaywithUNIFIL’ Equipping theschoolinAlDuhayayra Youth daywithUNIFIL and thesurrounding area, children ofAyta ashShaab provide daycare forthe The integratednurserywill special needs. children andyoungadultswith offers educationandcare for within anexistingschoolthat new integrateddaynursery ash Shaabinequippinga with SpecialNeeds’inAyta for theprotection ofChildren assisted ‘TheAssociation In October2008UNIFIL Day NurseryinAyta ash Shaab Quick ImpactProject. The play area aspartofaUNIFIL partition tocreate anindoor computers, aTVsetand Al Duhayayrareceived The villageschoolin 18 19 in thefield. and socialworkersspecialised as welleducators,doctors difficulties needs andlearning parents of children with special association comprisedof Special Needs’isanon-profit protection ofChildren with ‘The Associationforthe and furnitureforthenursery. some electronic equipment for educationalmaterials,toys, needs. UNIFILprovided funds including thosewithspecial photocopy machine. a computer, printer anda office wasalsoprovided with project, thevillageMukhtar’s students. Underthesame school hostsaround 100 in southLebanon. the UNpeacekeepingmission better understandtherole of activities helpedthestudents combined withpractical aspects ofUNIFIL’s functions Special briefingsondifferent with UNIFILandwere briefed The studentsspenttheday a fire fightingdemonstration. Personnel Carrier, andwatching a helicopterandArmoured experiences likesittinginside same time,theyhadexciting and audio-visualediting.Atthe diverse activitiesasdemining in thefield,aswellsuch about peacekeepingoperations computer equipment aswell accessand with internet the Municipalbuilding a publicspacewithin ‘Community Centre’ inBlida This ‘INTERSOS’. Municipality andtheNGO in coordination withthe ‘Community Centre’ inBlida, establishment ofa UNIFIL supportedthe includedequipping Humanitarian inside. experience ofUNIFILfrom the from theirday’s first-hand questions emanating Chief ofPublicInformation students askedUNIFIL’s the Acting asjournalists, conference wasorganized. To sustainability of theproject. community ownershipand Municipality) inorder toensure Development Centre and the direct supportoftheSocial management committee(with and theestablishmentofa capacity buildingactivities The project alsoincluded for localresidents. ameetingplace as furnishing endtheday, amockpress