For Free Distribution Not For Sale

January 2013 - no.13

UNIFIL’s relations with the people of south It has been a very long time, for more than three decades, that UNIFIL peacekeepers have been with the people of south Lebanon; almost two generations, one might say. A very natural question therefore is: how do the UNIFIL peacekeepers and the people here relate to each other.

It has been a very long time, for more than three decades, Taekwondo, Yoga, languages and computer classes; or pizza that UNIFIL peacekeepers have been with the people of making, and so on. There are environmental and reforestation south Lebanon; almost two generations, one might say. projects, or just simple gestures as helping farmers pick A very natural question therefore is: how do the UNIFIL olives. There are times when peacekeepers compete with peacekeepers and the people here relate to each other. local youth clubs in football or basketball matches, or join the people in festivities such as the traditional folk dance. I find it easier to describe than to define this relationship: so deep rooted in time, drawing so deep from the most So it is not about material give and take, as some interpret sublime human impulses, so imbued by the richness of UNIFIL’s assistance projects to be, but about sharing Lebanese culture and hospitality, so constant through towards better life conditions in south Lebanon that we all diverse circumstances and yet so multifarious in its everyday partake of. It is a relationship based on mutual respect and manifestation. The fact is one has to be part of the expansive genuine feelings of community where the peacekeepers social dynamics of south Lebanon, like UNIFIL is, to equally benefit from the hospitality extended them by the appreciate this unique relationship in its full dimensions. local population and by sharing in the rich culture and traditions of south Lebanon. Through the many years of wars and destruction, the peacekeepers have stood by the people, protected them and The tumultuous years of conflicts and occupation are past, provided all possible assistance within their means. Many and the security environment in the south has strategically have gone beyond their calling to help their welcoming hosts, changed for the better with the deployment of the Lebanese even at grave personal risk, several making the ultimate army together with an enhanced UNIFIL presence after 2006. sacrifice – as many as 293 UNIFIL peacekeepers have laid What has not changed are the humane impulses: the needs down their lives in the line of duty, the highest number for any of the people, the peacekeepers’ zeal to help, and the ever UN peacekeeping mission anywhere in the world. growing bonds between UNIFIL and the people of the south. To be sure there are differences, as there is bound to be in Far from being hindered by conflicts, sharing in adversity has any human interaction. There can be misunderstandings brought forth the most noble of human impulses in both the on occasions, not the least due to language or cultural peacekeepers and the southerners. The people appreciate barriers, or even due to unfounded rumours. The people and acknowledge the zeal that brings the peacekeepers know full well that UNIFIL is here for a job that it must do here, thousands of miles away from their homes, to and yet the resulting disruptions in normal daily life can be serve the cause of peace. And such is their welcome, so an irritant. We make all efforts to minimise disturbances due warm the southern hospitality that very often I have seen to our operations, yet they happen. But the fundamentals peacekeepers cry when it is time for them to return to their of our relationship being strong, we are able to address countries. Most want to come back, many do: as part of these issues directly with the people or with the help of the UNIFIL again, or as tourists; indeed, some have got married Lebanese army, our strategic partners on the ground. in south Lebanon, or chosen to settle down here. Ultimately, we know that we are here because the people UNIFIL carries out a variety of projects such as refurbishing want us here, we could not be otherwise; and the people schools, rehabilitating a water fountain, road repair, providing know that our presence is beneficial for them. Even electricity generators to name just a few. Our community disagreements or misunderstandings when addressed projects address some of the most pressing needs of the serve to firm up this relationship. This co-existence people and support local authorities. And these are not just that circumstances have bestowed on us manifests in funded projects. There are several where peacekeepers use multifarious human interactions that are beneficial toall , their personal skills and often their own initiative to benefit whether the people or the peacekeepers. the local population. And so you have medical, dental and veterinary assistance provided by peacekeepers; or Neeraj Singh Contents

UNIFIL’s relations with the people of south Lebanon 3

Chronicle 5 | 6

Ghassan Tueni (1926-2012) 7 | 9

Gen. Graziano revisits his years as UNIFIL Commander 10 ‘Al-Janoub’ is published by UNIFIL Office of Public Information UNIFIL-LAF Cooperation key to South Lebanon Peace 11 Publisher Editorial Advisor Milos Strugar Hassan Siklawi Editor-in-Chief Design/Graphics Andrea Tenenti Zeina Ezzeddine Production Indian battalion in UNIFIL | Ramin Francis Assadi Editorial support 12 13 Senior editors Adib Al Moussa Samir F. Ghattas Photographers Joumana Sayegh Pasqual Gorriz Marcos Sultan Sleiman Isaac Danquah Editor When peacekeepers become family 14 Ghinwa El Deek

Al-Janoub contact Tel. +961 1 926 442 Fax +961 1 827 016 Saffad Al Battikh 15 Email [email protected]

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 Back to school... equipped with practical experience 16 | 17 the reprint are sent to the Editor-in-Chief of Al-Janoub.

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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. Chronicle

Women peacekeepers honoured Southern youths display poetry talents

UNIFIL women peacekeepers were honoured at a ceremony in Tyr The youths of got a chance to show their that was attended by the Lebanese First Lady. In all, 17 women poetry talents in a competition organized by UNIFIL under the peacekeepers from Austria, Belgium, China, France, Germany, UNESCO-proposed theme “The Traditions of my ancestors Ghana, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, (or village)”. The competition gave southern students the Nepal, Portugal, Spain, Tanzania, and Turkey received medals from opportunity to think about their parents and grandparents the Lebanese National Commission for Lebanese Women (NCLW), but ultimately about themselves, their future and to take pride which is headed by Mrs. Wafaa Sleiman, with Mrs. Randa Berri in their identity, said Edward Tawil, from UNIFIL’s Civil Affairs and Mrs. May Mikati as vice chairpersons. Office. The competition held at the Saint Coeur School in Medals also were presented to the Observer Group Lebanon and Marjayoun culminated in three winners. Two students shared representatives of the UNIFIL civilian national and international the top two slots. Their poems were equally alluring to the staff unions. judges; Hanan Dakik from Tibnin High School and Mohamad UNIFIL Force Commander Maj.-Gen. Paolo Serra also attended the Bzeih from Tyr High School, while Lara Zwayhid from ceremony at a Tyr cultural centre to mark the International Women’s Day. Marjayoun National High School won the third recognition.

Fun and joy at children’s festival And roller-skiing to raise mine awareness

Nearly 3,000 children from over 20 villages watched UNIFIL Michael Hands, UNMAST’s Programme Manager, wanted to do peacekeepers perform traditional dance and a local magician something unique to raise awareness about the scourge of mines play tricks. They also participated in other activities such as and unexploded remnants of war which continue to claim lives. So he soccer games and face painting. All of this is part of the sixth roller-skied on an early spring morning from the city of Tyr to UNIFIL annual children’s festival, one of the largest festivals in southern Headquarters in Naqoura, an 18-kilometre, two-hour journey uphill Lebanon which was held at the Liberation Educational Complex and downhill along the coastal road. The trip’s duration is enough time in Sultaniyah village in the Tibnin area. for two people to lose their legs to explosions, Mr. Hands pointed out. At the finish line, he was all smiles but quiet stiff, as he put it. UNIFIL The festival was organized by the Union of Municipalities, in Force Commander Major-General Paolo Serra greeted him with an collaboration with Lebanese NGO ALPHA, which is working in applause and praise. “You did a great job. You were very fast. Well the area of human promotion and literacy. done,” the Force Commander said. Chronicle

Painting on Porcelain Time for fun and learning School children aged 8 to 10 from eight schools mainly in the Tyr district and a few from schools as well as some school dropouts spent the day learning the importance of water and the best ways to use it through Nestle’s six-stages water games. The water awareness campaign was organized by UNIFIL Civil Affairs office in collaboration with Twenty young women from the Tyre district were able to learn the Tyr Municipality, Nestle a lifelong craft through their participation in the “Painting on Waters Lebanon and Porcelain” workshop. The workshop was a rare opportunity that UNIFIL’s Italian battalion. could lead to financial independence and stability. UNIFIL funded the training, paid for utensils and the women’s transportation. The festival aimed to The training was carried out under the auspices of UNIFIL’s draw attention to the Italian contingent and in collaboration with the Southern importance of fresh water Women’s Association. on World Water Day.

Football to raise mine awareness Top Chef cooks for UNIFIL

A football match to raise awareness and to draw attention to the Top chef contestants cooked for around 200 UNIFIL peacekeepers, suffering of landmine victims was played at the UNIFIL base of the personnel and local Lebanese authorities in southern Lebanon, Korean Battalion. adding a different flavor to the renowned cooking show that airs on LBCI TV. Program Director Wissam Succar lauded the cooperation A team comprising land mine survivors faced off a team of UNIFIL with UNIFIL officials, who were “very organized”, as he stated. The personnel in the game, which was organized by UNIFIL Civil Affairs final 10 contestants who had reached this level were faced with in collaboration with the Lebanese Welfare Association for the a double challenge; to satisfy the judges’ criteria and feed UNIFIL Handicapped (LWAH) and Lebanese Mine Action Centre (LMAC). with only three and a half hours time to do all the cooking. Judge UNIFIL Deputy Force Commander Brigadier-General Patrick Phelan, Chef, Joe Barza considered it a good challenge to be in the south Head of Tyr Municipality Abdel Mouhssin Husseini, First Lieutenant and a pleasure to be interacting with peacekeepers. Mr. Barza, Patrick Shoufany representing LMAC, the Manager of the LWAH who is also a chef, pointed out the particular difficulties with this Handicapped Rehabilitation Centre at Sarafand Dr. Maha Shouman episode. “It is quite a challenge for the contestants to cook in the Jbaei, Representatives of the National Committee of Mine Victim UNIFIL kitchens and feed a number of military and civilian staff.”As Assistance and Mine Risk Education, local authorities as well as the cameras rolled to a halt, declaring the end of the show, the Top representatives from various international organizations were among Chef contestants felt proud of their work and a job well done. Also the spectators. LWAH won the game 3-2. thankful was UNIFIL for the visit and the delicious cooking.

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Ghassan Tueni A Symbol of (1926-2012) national Liberation The late Lebanese diplomat and journalist, Ghassan Tueni, had a Every believer in Lebanon’s sovereignty and chequered career at home and as envoy abroad, including in the United States. independence is proud of Ghassan Tueni’s Tueni was born on 5 January 1926, diplomatic achievements, especially the great role in Beirut, the eldest of four children of Gibran Tueni, who was a prominent he played in the liberation of southern Lebanon from journalist and publisher of the An-Nahar newspaper. Israeli occupation. Ghassan was at the forefront His career in journalism began early. In of the struggle by the Lebanese elite. He played a Grade seven in 1937, he published a crucial role in Lebanon’s progress towards liberation weekly newspaper called “Primary”. It covered the news in the country as well through his crucial role in the adoption of Resolution as about the school and student strikes. 425 in the Security Council in 1978. As a freelancer, in 1941, he wrote articles for the “Revue du Liban” newspaper. This resolution was the basis for the Though now deceased, Ghassan Tueni establishment of the continues to teach us the importance After earning a Bachelor’s degree from Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) of maintaining this success, whose the American University of Beirut in based in the south of the country, foundations he established four 1945, Tueni travelled to the United which is now under the mandate of decades ago. It is an achievement States to study political science. While UN Security Council Resolution 1701 that is still crucial in order to fulfil UN there, he got a job as a press attaché Security Council Resolution 1701, with with the Lebanese delegation to the The two resolutions and the the assistance of UNIFIL, and restore United Nations and also worked as development of UNIFIL’s role confirm the full elements of national sovereignty a reporter for his father’s An-Nahar how farsighted Ghassan was and how over all Lebanese territory. newspaper. aware he was of the importance of the international community in assisting The philosophy of sovereignty and Tueni returned to Lebanon on his Lebanon, the small country crushed by practising its mechanism and commitment father’s death in 1947 to look after the regional interests, which manipulated to it are what Ghassan Tueni taught fellow family. On 5 January 1948, he became Lebanese since the passing of Resolution the editor-in-chief of An-Nahar. He its sovereignty and the fate of its 425. This remains one of the treasured also covered the news on the ground, people. values left by someone whose greatness entering the Palestinian territories in Ghassan Tueni is a true national hero was bigger than Lebanon. 1949 with Jordanian troops as a war with his famous cry at the UN Security correspondent amid heavy fighting Council: “Let my people live.” Naila Tueni during the first Arab-Israeli war. First elected to the Lebanese Parliament In 1987, his youngest son, Makram, accompanied the voting on Resolution in 1951, at 25, he was the youngest died in a car accident in , at the 425 which passed unanimously in the member at the time. Tueni’s political age of 21, and Gebran, a member of the Security Council. The negotiations views shifted between the government were very tough, and I had previously and the opposition. He joined the Lebanese Parliament, was assassinated Lebanese Phalange party in his youth, in 2005. discussed with the United States the issue of sending UN troops to Lebanon and later belonged to the Syrian Social In 1976, Lebanese President Elias Sarkis Nationalist Party in college. Soon after he in return for abstaining from demanding named Ghassan Tueni his personal the condemnation of .” left the party, he shifted loyalty between representative and dispatched him support for the President or opposition on a diplomatic mission to the United Tueni got married again in 1996 to Mrs to his policies. That has led to his arrest States, leading a team of ambassadors. Shadia El Khazen. on several occasions for opposing the In 1977, he was appointed Lebanon’s president. Ambassador to the United Nations. Tueni taught political science at university in many countries. His writings include In 1954 he married the poet Nadia Tueni was responsible for drafting UN many research papers and books. Part Hamade who passed away in 1983, Security Council Resolution 425. of his legacy is the An-Nahar newspaper leaving him with their two children, and the Dar An-Nahar Publishing House. Gebran and Makram. Their daughter He recalled in an interview once: “I can’t Nayla had died at the age of eight. forget the long nights that preceded and He died in 2012. My greatest achievement was resolution 425 Ghassan Tuéni (1926 - 2012) was a leading figure in Lebanese journalism and politics and one time publisher of the daily ‘An-Nahar’. Mr. Tueni was Lebanon’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations during the establishment of UNIFIL in 1978. Al-Janoub team interviewed him in June 2008 to find out how he negotiated the corridors of diplomacy in New York.

This interview was first published in Al-Janoub in June 2008

AL-JANOUB: During the establishment of for a vote immediately without the customary surprise I saw the Lebanese flag, not the UNIFIL in 1978, you were closely involved debate on the subject. The members agreed UN flag, go up in Marjayoun on the main in the negotiations in the Security Council. to relinquish their right to speak until after the barracks of the Lebanese Army that had How do you recall the experience? vote. Interestingly, the Russians and Chinese been occupied by the Israeli Army. I knew TUÉNI: We had to make a choice between went along – the Russians abstained and there was something fishy going on. Indeed, two options - establishment of UNIFIL or agreed not to use their veto-power, but the Israelis did physically withdraw, but they condemnation of Israel [for its invasion of the Chinese ambassador actually raised turned over their positions in the vicinity of South Lebanon]. We could not achieve his hand in favour of the resolution. We the border not to UNIFIL but to the South both in the Security Council. We chose hadn’t even canvassed him to vote. It was Lebanon Army (SLA). UNIFIL. This was not without apprehension an unbelievable sign of universal support. So then did you think resolution 425 was among Lebanese political leaders who As a result, the peacekeeping forces came worth your efforts? were of the opinion that bringing UN troops down to the south instantly and the Israelis to Lebanon will not be very popular. My stopped in their tracks. Yes, my greatest achievement was contention was that with UNIFIL, we are not resolution 425, particularly the paragraph Did it happen as smoothly as that? bringing colonial occupation to Lebanon, that restored the sovereignty of Lebanon. but peacekeepers and an international Actually no. The wording of the resolution But it did not mention Sheba’a, since guarantee of Lebanon’s “territorial integrity, [425] was unprecedented in that it called Israel and the US argued that we were sovereignty and independence”. on Israel to “withdraw forthwith” its forces only discussing territories occupied by from all Lebanese territories. Ultimately, Israel the March 1978 invasion. The Security Council vote on the resolution gave a schedule for their withdrawal from took place at midnight. I urged quick action. Lebanon. All went well, or almost, until the There were several draft resolutions that “People were dying in Lebanon every minute last phase of withdrawal on the 13th of June. we worked on. But it was difficult to of every hour,” I told the Council, “as the attribute with any precision, prerogatives Israelis were still advancing.” We managed to We expected the Israelis to hand over to to UNIFIL enabling it to “use force in self- convince the President of the Council to call UNIFIL. But as I watched on TV, to my defence, including resistance to attempts

Issue 13 Jan 8 9 by forceful means to prevent it from at every moment, you can expect a better absolute “victory”. Sometimes it is better not discharging its duties.” I had endeavoured to response from them. But then I was taken to get bogged down by too much detail, nor include in the various resolutions extending by surprise when, without my knowledge, reject harmless concessions, to salvage the the mandate of UNIFIL, clauses allowing Washington negotiated an agreement with essence of your case. prerogatives and the capability to use force the Lebanese Government to deploy a officially without moving from the “defensive” Multi-National Force (MNF) later in 1982. For example in August 1982 when there character of “peace-keeping”, as stated were intensified clashes between Israel in Chapter VI [of the UN Charter], to the I could not understand what would be and different armed groups in Lebanon, “offensive” character of “peace-enforcing” the relationship between the MNF and the Security Council adopted a resolution UNIFIL: why we were not developing the as authorized by Chapter VII. [516] demanding immediate ceasefire in role of UNIFIL, instead of creating a new Lebanon and across the Lebanese-Israeli This whole phenomenon was described as international force outside the UN framework, border. Chapter ‘six-and-a-half’. We finally “formed” with similar terms of reference, but totally the proper wording that described the right independent from the original force which we This was one of the shortest resolutions of self-defence “with muscles and teeth” had had no reason to thus condemn. in UN history. The British Ambassador, in resolution 501 (February 1982). But it all who drafted it, said: “If you are asking The first Israeli Ambassador I had to deal stopped there, until this same debate came for a resolution that would settle all that with -but never talking to each other except up most recently while resolution 1701 was is at stake between this and that party, across the Council table- went on to become being negotiated. it simply won’t work. What you need is President of Israel. In the first debate in just a ceasefire. We will address the other How do you recall your negotiations the Security Council, he claimed that the issues later, hopefully with a functioning around these developments with your Lebanese Ambassador was not speaking for ceasefire on the ground.” interlocutors in the UN? the Lebanese but for the Palestinians. In fact the most difficult Ambassador was On the other hand, I remember the difficulties To support his argument, he showed a not the Palestinian as one would expect, but of negotiating with the Soviet delegation. number of cables allegedly received from the Syrian. Once, as we were getting Israeli They had a specialist who would run around residents of Marjayoun stating that they did rockets on Lebanese villages in retaliation of carrying a bag full of documents. “I have here not agree with me. I brandished a photograph Palestinian fire from an area called the ‘Pan not only every resolution, but every line we printed in the morning’s New York Times Handle’ -a strip of land adjacent to UNIFIL’s have ever approved,” he said, “We will not that showed young men from Marjayoun area of operations- I proposed that we deploy agree to any new document that so much as thrown around a tree, blindfolded and hands the UN in that “no man’s land”. The US, UK, adds a comma to any past resolution that we tied behind their backs, while Israeli soldiers France and even China, I believed, agreed. have accepted. If you insert any innovation, stood around them playing violin. I asked him But the Soviet Ambassador told me to go it shall have to go to Moscow for approval whether these were the same people who talk to the Syrian Ambassador first: “If he is (ad referendum). Even if we approve it here” signed the cables. His only reply was that “he convinced by the plea, I’ll go for it,” he said. had not seen that photograph”. So you have to work through complex The US delegation as a whole was very dynamics: For instance, whereas the supportive in the UN at the time. They went Is there a recipe for a successful Arab ambassadors were intent on as far as offering to sponsor resolution Security Council resolution? inserting a phrase condemning Israel, 425 and actively persuaded members of You see, the UN is a very useful and for the US anything that read like a clear the Security Council to vote for it. This effective instrument. If you want to be able condemnation of Israel was taboo. shows that if you talk to the US delegation to use it you have to work constantly in Such were, and probably still are, the rationally, not merely seeking condemnation a spirit of conciliation, and never seek an complexities of UN daily life. UNIFIL in the Heart General Graziano revisits his years as UNIFIL Commander UNIFIL in the Heart – that’s how fondly Lieutenant-General Claudio Graziano speaks of the peacekeeping force he led for three years. Just as when he was Force Commander and Head of Mission from 2007 to 2010 he remains supportive of UNIFIL and its mission and he’s willing to help in whichever way he can.

The General in-charge of the Italian Army that UNIFIL has been able so far to keep than before require a strong, and committed returned to familiar ground in southern on with its main job, that is keep on the presence of the United Nations on the field.” Lebanon three times in 2012, visiting UNIFIL cessation of hostilities and to improve Looking back at his tenure, General Graziano Headquarters for discussions with the and contribute to improve the situation in was quick to let out his feelings. current Force Commander, Major-General southern Lebanon.” “It’s very emotional. I know we already have Paolo Serra, and the Mission Leadership. He attributed that to the efforts of UNIFIL and a new Italian Force Commander. I really “I am delighted to be here in southern Lebanon the Lebanese Armed Forces as well as the have strong feeling of emotion for what he that was my home for three years,” he said liaison and coordination mechanism he set is going to do, that is the best job, the best in an interview. up under his Command which is known as experience I had in my life being Head of the Tripartite forum. “I am now coming as Chief of Staff of the Mission and Force Commander working with Italian Army. So the first task I have is to The progress, he said, “was possible exceptional professionals, both military and confirm the commitment of the Italian Armed because of the good cooperation with civilian, my Director of Political Affairs, my Forces to peace and to support UNIFIL in the Lebanese Armed Forces, because of Director of Mission Support were really the carrying on its fundamental task which is improvements, the real improvements went best professionals that I could have had in my very important for the region, Lebanon and from the tripartite meetings.” life. And through their support it was possible the peace in the area.” There were stark changes from when he first to build something important I think.” Speaking after his briefings, he went on to arrived in UNIFIL in 2007 and after he left in The most important, he stressed, “is that describe the former colleagues he worked January 2010. for more than five years UNIFIL has played with and how appreciative he remains for “Coming here from the airport it was for me a strategic role keeping the cessation of their contribution. But he quickly adds: “Of clear to see that also the condition of living hostilities.” course, now I am getting maybe older, of the population has improved, that the I am doing other things. From my position His advice for the Mission is simple: “Keep Lebanese population is getting better, and I on with what you are doing now, keep on I will try my best to help them and always think this result is also due to the effort, the it will remain in my heart.” working very close with the Lebanese Armed common efforts of UNIFIL and LAF working Forces, working with Israeli Defence Forces, His visits are significant that they came after together in strategic partnership and being running the tripartite meetings that still remain Major-General Serra, a fellow Italian, took able to create a new strategic environment the only open forum for discussions with the charge of UNIFIL on 28 January 2012. Italy in the south that is feasible to keep the two parties, following the new issues that are last year reduced its troops by one battalion, cessation of hostilities,” Lieutenant-General coming, trying to solve tactical problems that to the current number of about 1,000. Graziano added. can become strategic problems.” General Graziano, who many in Lebanon and His views of UNIFIL have not changed since General Graziano singled out among other particularly in the south remember too well, he was Force Commander. “UNIFIL has a things the visible marking of the Blue Line, noted the development and the changes since very important job, to keep the cessation of also a pilot project that started under his he last was in command in southern Lebanon. hostilities and to keep open the door, the tenure and has continued since. window of opportunity,” as he put it. “Looking around, and from the briefing I “When it is completed it could really be a have received from the Force Commander, He said: “It is up to the parties to take change for the situation,” he said of the ongoing from senior leaders from the same people advantage of this window of opportunity and process of visibly marking the Blue Line. who were helping me when I was Force to take advantage of what UNIFIL can do Commander I was delighted to understand on the field in this moment that even more Samir F. Ghattas UNIFIL Public Information

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UNIFIL-LAF Cooperation key to South Lebanon Peace - UNIFIL General Brigadier-General Olivier Pougin had no qualms about the advice he left for his successor as UNIFIL Chief of Staff: continue the close cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) that is key to stability in southern Lebanon and to the success of the Mission.

In an interview with ‘Al-Janoub’, the General Strategic Review provided an opportunity to the population is looking forward to seeing looked back at his one-year tenure that present proposals for a more robust strategy a common approach between UNIFIL and ended in July 2012 with satisfaction. for LAF-UNIFIL cooperation and proposed LAF,” Brigadier-General Pougin said, adding: And he has reasons for that: there were greater capacity building strategies for the “We receive a lot of requests from the very few security incidents, cooperation LAF, he added. population for greater cooperation and it is between UNIFIL and Lebanese authorities “We worked very hard during the Strategic also our will and aim.” was good and there’s been unprecedented Dialogue process that aims to establish a On security issues and the regular concerns number of countries contributing to the LAF-UNIFIL plan to increase the capability about a possible war in southern Lebanon, peacekeeping force. of the South Litani Sector troops in southern he said none of the parties wants a conflict “When I look back at my tenure as UNIFIL Lebanon. And for that we worked together and would like to maintain calm. Chief of Staff, I would say that the main and this helped to increase confidence Regarding the numerous patrols that UNIFIL achievement has been that there were no between us. It was very interesting,” the conducts on a daily basis in the Area of major incidents during the period,” he said. French General said. Operation in the south, the General said “I also consider myself very lucky to have “The first topic we dealt with during the the guiding principle is to keep the situation had the opportunity to work with 39 different review was building a command UNIFIL- calm, respect the people and ensure they nationalities … It shows clearly the will of the LAF plan, to increase the capabilities of live in better conditions. international community to stay here and to the South Litani Sector troops. We looked “We have to adapt our patrols to the participate in ensuring calm and stability in at how to establish this reinforcement in the region.” situation and conditions in the Area of order to be able to take our operational Operation,” he said. “We can achieve this Cooperation between UNIFIL and LAF has task in the framework of resolution 1701. operational task with a lot of cooperation been a cornerstone of efforts to implement So to do that, it necessitated a lot of work, with the LAF because we are working the relevant provisions of UN Security we had to describe all the operational together to implement peace and calm in Council resolution 1701, and raising the tasks we are conducting, all the troops the AO. We have to adapt the number of scope of that relationship is a priority for we need and capabilities to perform those patrols to the situation, and the more we UNIFIL, he said. tasks and to compare with the LAF and can perform jointly with the LAF, the better.” difference between both, how to request Currently, the two sides jointly conduct He added: “We are doing a lot to try and numerous command activities, undertake with the international community the help to fill the gap.’’ avoid any misunderstanding and develop joint operational tasks such as patrols the local capacity because we come from and meet frequently to try to improve The Command Plan produced in five different countries. We also try to educate cooperation at the staff level as well as months of discussions is only a first step, our troops on the Lebanese culture and the train together. said Brigadier-General Pougin. “There importance of adopting a friendly approach The General adds that UNIFIL tries to are a lot of other proposals that we can when they are conducting some patrols. It is jointly work with LAF on every activity. He implement with that tool including how to very important for the population and for us.” go further with the plan, how to solve some acknowledges that there remain a few As for whether there will be reduction of challenges but he is confident that “we will difficulties or hot spots on the ground and adopting a bilateral approach.” troops in UNIFIL, the General said there is a find a good way to conduct those activities”. military capability study underway and the ‘We have done a lot of other things, we On relationship with the local population, question is not decreasing the number of worked on the Strategic Review and the UNIFIL is making many efforts to ensure troops deployed on the ground but rather to military capability study to enable us to respect for the local population and to show reduce the logistical footprint. work better and also to keep the same that the peacekeepers are in the south for the people. “The focus is on more efficiency and not level of troops deployed on the ground necessarily the number of troops.” while reducing the logistical footprints, for “This is one of the reasons why we try to example,” he said. increase cooperation with the LAF because Andrea Tenenti UNIFIL Public Information Indian Battalion INDBATT

Issue 13 Jan 12 13

The Indian battalion (INDBATT) The local population is INDBATT also extends was first deployed with UNIFIL heavily relying on livestock medical services to the in 1998. Its area of responsibility for their lively hood and the people of South Lebanon by is covering a sensitive region Indian battalion has made running a clinic in the town in UNIFIL’s Area of Operations sure to always deploy a of and carrying out called the “Arkoub area”, veterinary doctor with each medical checkups in Social which is characterized by its battalion rotation. The vet Ministry clinics located in mountainous terrain. has always been ready to several towns like Hebberiye, provide medical services Kafarshuba, Kfarhamam, and The Indian battalion mans for thousands of goats, others. One of the INDBATT the highest number of UN sheep, and cows, and doctors explained that they positions among the battalions perform emergency surgeries work seven days a week, deployed in South Lebanon. whenever necessary. eight hours per day and It currently has a total of 850 This, increasingly popular provide the population with soldiers with officers deployed veterinary service by the free medication. in nine UN positions in addition Indian battalion has not And it doesn’t stop there. The to manning nine temporary only strengthened the ties Indian battalion also conducts observation posts along the between the local population dental awareness campaigns in Blue Line. and the Indians, but has schools, provides yoga classes, directly contributed to and organizes football games More than 15,000 peacekeepers shepherds paying greater in several villages. An Indian have been deployed as part attention to the Indian officer elaborated, that “we of the Indian battalion over peacekeepers, who on a feel as if we are living among the last decade. During this daily basis patrol the Blue our families, so we can easily time the Indian peacekeepers Line. In carrying out this say that the locals treat us as have made great efforts to activity they help preventing their children and rarely any forge a strong and long lasting Blue Line violations in problems occur between us.” relationship with the people of close coordination with the south Lebanon. Lebanese Armed Forces. Ghinwa El Deek UNIFIL Public Information When peacekeepers become family Eleven years of age was Ali Saad when the Israeli army invaded his Southern town Tibnin in March of 1978, in what later was known as the “Litani operation”. He witnessed at that young age the scourge of war and the massive destruction all around. Only days later, he heard on the news the announcement of the Security Council Resolution 425 that called for the deployment of peacekeepers in South Lebanon. Ali soon started recognizing blue helmet soldiers replacing the Israelis at their military post only a few metres from his home.

Ali recalled how at first there were Irish soldiers, kind but cautious. He said: “they were trying to adjust to their new surroundings, mingling with people with whom they don’t share the same culture, tradition, and language. And due to the closeness of our home to their post the soldier’s initial contact was with my parents.” The communication between the Irish and Ali Saad’s parents was difficult at first. The soldiers spoke the English language whereas his parents, as most of the townspeople knew some French as their second language. And so Ali started to pick up a few words, and soon enough he grasped enough English vocabulary to enable him to act as the mediator between the soldiers and the townspeople. Time flew by, said Saad while he was learning a wide range of new English words, thus becoming a necessity to the Irish battalion serving under UNIFIL. From time the death of my father prohibited me from They aided them in recovering the injured to time he was asked to escort them in going, so I completed my studies in a and transporting them to the hospitals, and their visits to help in the translation with the university in Lebanon with their help.” removing the damaged vehicles. townspeople and the local community, and Saad’s relationship with the Irish “I helped the Irish more than once in also at night. peacekeepers resulted in an academic and recovering the injured and lifting the Saad’s family was very humble. They used professional success story. He said: “I am damaged cars. I used to translate for to live on what their land produced from today the manager of a Bank branch in Bint them and the townspeople during these agriculture, which was barely enough to Jbeil thanks to them.” operations” He said. cover their survival needs. The Irish soldiers And in return Ali wrote his thesis on UNIFIL’s Ali remembered how the Irish peacekeepers were aware of that, and so they started to economic impact in South Lebanon. lifted the UN flag on the Tibnin Hospital share the family’s worries and difficulties. and orphanage during the Israeli attacks Saad never forgets how General Tony The soldiers offered the family a helping between 1993 and 1996, to prevent it Roo, the Irish battalion commander back hand, in terms of food and supplies, which from getting attacked. The Irish soldiers then, stood by the family’s side accepting strengthened the relation between the two. offered all the possible help to both of these condolences for the death of Ali’s father in organizations. That wasn’t enough for the Irish soldiers, the early eighties. who took matters in their own hands. Saad concluded saying: “the humanitarian “In fact Roo was a member of my family, he relation that I shared with the Irish soldiers “I was still underage when I was translating continued visiting us in Lebanon regardless propelled me to get involved mainly in for the Irish soldiers, therefore I couldn’t his retirement and age. His last visit was last humanitarian and voluntary work. And so I apply for a job at the United Nations. So September.” joined the Lebanese Red Cross association they decided to collect money among Ali Saad’s family relation with the where I became its coordinator in South themselves and provide me with an peacekeepers is nothing but an example of Lebanon, and its representative in regional unofficial monthly salary that managed to what joins the townspeople of Tibnin with and international forums. I also joined the support my family and I in order to complete the peacekeepers. world society for Orphanage care that deals my studies. They used to take me every day with the Tibnin orphanage. Briefly I can say to school and wait for me at 2 pm to take The Irish soldiers who were mainly a military that the relation with the Irish peacekeepers me back home. When I finished my high logistics and maintenance unit often used made me the person I am today.” school they provided me with a scholarship the available equipments to help the to study in a university in Ireland. However townspeople in any accident that occurs. Sultan Sleiman UNIFIL Civil Affairs

Issue 13 Jan 14 15

Saffad Al Battikh

A southern town booming into modernity Saffad AL Battikh is no longer the town springs, in Ain Hammam and Ain el it once was. Long after the liberation in Bakkar, used for irrigation and drinking in the year 2000, this southern town has times of scarce supplies. lost some of its tranquillity. The town’s features changed and its rhythm boosted As all southerners, Saffad Al Battikh’s as the construction progressively invaded townspeople are warm hospitable people its streets. who love to gather up especially the youngsters around the town’s landmark. It sits on a hill 680 metres above sea A 200-year-old hackberry tree sits in the level with the towns of Braashit to its middle of town and acts as s a prominent south, Jmayjme in the north, Shaqra gathering spot. in the east and Tibnin in the west. It is 110 kms away from the capital Recently, in 2011, the town’s municipality Beirut. Most of Saffad Al Battikh’s established the first public clinic that tends townspeople immigrated to Australia to the sick people’s needs. Although and America, with only around 2,000 Saffad Al Batikh has one public school and remaining permanent residents in the another private one, it lacks cultural clubs town. Its townspeople tend to grow and public parks. Saffad Al Battikh is olives, figs and tobacco in addition to characterized by its religious coexistence relying on commerce and trade for a and is home to a church, Saint Mary’s, two living. Saffad Al Battikh has 2 water Husseiniyehs and two mosques.

Mayor of Saffad May 2010, with the start of cooperation public school children by the French Al Battikh Souhad with the French battalion in the area. battalion, “A free health day” by the Zeinneddine is Mr. Zeinneddine pointed out to the Malaysian contingent at the town’s clinic, quick to point monthly visits that UNIFIL makes to a generator from the French contingent to out that his town Saffad Al Battikh, which produced a the town’s municipality. The town’s latest Suhad Zeineddine carries a message number of projects that were beneficial project with UNIFIL is a landfill project Mayor of Saffad Al Battikh of coexistence for the town. The Mayor thanked UNIFIL and its transformation into a forest, which between Muslims and Christians. In an for its constant cooperation with the will be named “Forest of Friendship interview with ‘Al Janoub’, he noted town, stating some of the implemented between UNIFIL and Saffad Al Battikh the good relationship between Saffad projects already which he said included municipality.” Al Battikh and UNIFIL especially since a French-language course for the town’s Ghinwa EL Deek UNIFIL Public Information Back to school... equipped with practical experience Back to school with a lot more than just summer fun! 12 Technical School students returned to their school this fall equipped with real practical and field experience to add to the theoretical schooling they are receiving at Bint Jbeil Public Technical School in southern Lebanon.

The two-month vocational training and so the teachers’ enthusiasm. In a visit programme, which was initiated by to the generator unit, David Hatoum and UNIFIL’s Civil Affairs section, and aimed to Hussein Milhem showed how far they had “They have learned to build the capacity of 12 Technical School come in these few weeks in gaining the put their knowledge students, came to an end on Tuesday 28 essential practical expertise needed. Tony August. The students were distributed in Hajj, UNIFIL’s generator foreman, spoke of into real work.” 4 groups, 3 in engineering units focusing his trainees with pride. ”We have reached UNIFIL’s generator foreman on generator, warm and cold (AC units), together the dismantling and assembling and electrical units, and a fourth group in phase of the generators, they have learned to the vehicle transport unit. put their knowledge into real work. They are Over in UNIFIL’s transport section, Halfway through the training programme, operating according to the right specifications, Hussein Daher and Elias Mikhael have the students’ progress was highly noted measurements, and limits.” he said. finished their training in the heavy vehicles

Issue 13 Jan 16 17

“We thank UNIFIL for this exceptional opportunity and the knowlege we gained” Trainee Rida Hamze department and are just starting in the light vehicles section. They believe in the quality of time they are spending here, being coached and taught skills that require years of experience to attain. Philip Scarr, UNIFIL’s road safety, inspection and training officer, explained that the trainees are benefitting from hands on experience. “This vocational training has proved to be a great partnership so far and I am very delighted and impressed from the trainees’ attitude and work”. On their last day in Naqoura, UNIFIL’s Force Commander Major-General Paolo Serra visited the trainees in the generator, warm and cold, transport, and electrical units. In every unit, the Force Commander “Your performance insisted on observing the trainees at work, pausing to listen and watch, lauding their will serve as a efforts and commending them on their stellar example will and determination to learn so much in such a short time period. for generations In the generator unit he applauded David to come.” Hatoum and Hussein Milhem for their newly gained knowledge of repairing a UNIFIL’s Force Commander damaged generator and bringing it back to life. The trainees not only gained practical knowledge, but they were also able to and vocational training Mr. Ghassan He noted the importance of the overcome their fear, as Mario Chaaya from Bazzi, representatives of the Bint Jbeil knowledge they gained as a result of this the warm and cold unit explained. municipality, and UNIFIL officials. exceptional opportunity, thus thanking All the students were also very grateful UNIFIL’s Force Commander was UNIFIL for their contribution and training. to their patient teachers. Bassam Abass heartened by the trainees’ “remarkable At the end of the ceremony the Force expressed openly his enthusiasm for professional skills and tremendous Commander, Mr. Bazzi, and UNIFIL being able to fix an air conditioning unit, enthusiasm”. He congratulated each officials presented the trainees with thanks to his trainers. and every one of them for having certificates and technical kits. The feeling was shared by Mohamad seized this opportunity stating that Focusing on education and employment, Salame, an electrical unit trainee, who “Your performance will serve as a stellar this vocational training aligned with the was grateful for the in-depth training example for generations to come.” objectives of the International Youth Day where they “not only scratched the Mr. Bazzi thanked UNIFIL for its care, which will be celebrated on 12 August surface but learned the details”. follow-up, support, and enthusiasm 2012 under the theme - Building a The vocational training was concluded towards the trainees, especially since it wasn’t the first time that UNIFIL had Better World: Partnering with Youth in in a celebratory closing ceremony in the relation to employment, entrepreneurship, presence of UNIFIL Force Commander participated in a humanitarian activity at their school. education, including on sexual and Major-General Serra, the director reproductive health; political inclusion, of the Bint Jbeil Technical School The training’s end result was voiced by citizenship, and protection of rights. and representative of the director Rida Hamze, one of the twelve attendees, general of the directorate of technical who spoke on behalf of his colleagues. Ghinwa El Deek Public Information office UNIFIL’s new TV and Web series

Suzane Jaber Farah Amer Sana Seblani Zeina Islambouli

Hussein Alayyan Layal Hamze Manoella Msheik Gadir Hamed

“The Challenge” airs on Lebanese TV stations NBN, New TV, OTV & TL To watch all episodes visit our YouTube channels: English version: www.youtube.com/UNIFILVIDEOUNIT Arabic version: www.youtube.com/UNIFILARABIC

“Like” our facebook page: UNIFIL-PIO to be up to date with all upcoming episodes

Issue 13 Jan 18 19

It wasn’t like any other day in their lives. It at UNIFIL peacekeepers as they passed population. Eating Indian food with the Indian was a day spent with UNIFIL peacekeepers, by, but was unaware of what they were battalion, Sana noted that culinary difference as if they were one of them. A day recorded doing. Thanks to this project however, he notwithstanding, we shared common values on film and engraved in their hearts. has seen first-hand what UNIFIL is doing across cultures. Zeina also accompanied to achieve peace and maintain security in a UNIFIL patrol and visited a souk which Recently graduated from the school of southern Lebanon. the Irish peacekeepers visit regularly. She journalism in the Lebanese University (LU) in learned that playing the bagpipes was not Beirut, Hussein Alayyan, Farah Amer, Gadir Although the series is called “The Challenge” as easy as it seems. Suzane, who spent Hamed, Layal Hamze, Zeina Islambouli, in its English version, Mr. Assadi explained much time with women peacekeepers, Suzane Jaber, Manoella Msheik and Sana that the idea behind the Arabic version was overwhelmed by the human aspect of Seblani showed utmost interest to discover “Bread and Salt” was fitting to the project as peacekeeping and the hardships associated UNIFIL and take part in its new television it has a deep rooted, symbolic significance with spending long periods away from home. production capacity building project. in Lebanon and the region. “So, when you say there is ‘Bread and Salt’ between us The students not only researched UNIFIL Each student was chosen and prepped to – it means that there is friendship, a bond, and their assigned contingent but prepared host two episodes of this new TV Series, by a connectedness, loyalty to the point of all questions for the interviews they spending one day with a UNIFIL contingent protection… a symbol of UNIFIL’s relationship conducted. In particular, they looked at the to discover what their responsibilities are with the people of South Lebanon for the interaction between LAF and UNIFIL. in relation to the mandate and activities of past three decades and we want to bring this the peacekeeping mission. Each student “It was the first time I saw the relations idea back to the people of South Lebanon.” effectively became the host and journalist, between LAF and UNIFIL and how well the revealing not only the operational side of The eight students expressed people in the villages were treating UNIFIL, UNIFIL but who they are and where they tremendous gratitude for the unique as if they were Lebanese,” said Manoella. journalistic experience they had gained come from. As for Layal, she was “impressed with during the production, and were pleased Mr. Ramin Francis Assadi, UNIFIL’s the dedication and work of the (UNIFIL) to have acquired hands-on knowledge TV Producer of the Public Information de-mining team in helping a country that of UNIFIL’s mandate and activities on the Office, who came up with the concept is not theirs.” Farah was unprepared to ground. Sana said that her experience did and directed the films, auditioned the what she was to discover - and how much reflect the title “Bread and Salt”, which students and directed them every step she would learn not only about UNIFIL but focused on the importance of shared of the way. “I was overwhelmed with the about herself by exploring new cultures. values, duty and mutual support. Gadir professionalism, dedication and interest observed that, once her initial fear of To mark the launching of “The Challenge” or that came from the students.”Mr. Assadi being in front of the camera had gone, “Bread and Salt”, which will be comprised said in conclusion of the project. she enjoyed learning about UNIFIL, in of at least 16 ten-minute episodes, UNIFIL Each student spent one day with one particular the assistance it provides to Head of Mission and Force Commander, of UNIFIL’s contingents, including the civilian populations. Major-General Paolo Serra and Deputy Brazilain, Cambodian, Chinese, French, Head of Mission Mr. Milos Strugar held a Sana, who was embedded with a UNIFIL Ghanaian, Indian, Indonesian, Irish, Italian, ceremony on 26 September in UNIFIL’s team patrolling along the Blue Line, caught Korean, Malaysian, Nepalese, Spanish, headquarters in Naquora. The Force a glimpse of UNIFIL’s role in monitoring Turkish, and the Observer Group Lebanon Commander congratulated the students the cessation of hostilities and in ‘Blue to better grasp what kind of responsibilities for their enthusiasm and tenacity and then Line’ marking. She focused on the cross- they were tasked with. presented them with certificates. cultural interaction amongst soldiers of Hussein said that as a child, he would wave myriad nationalities and with the local Rhitu Rose Political Affairs office