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UK Ambassador visits UNIFIL and Blue Line

Ambassador Ian Collard was briefed on UNIFIL鈥檚 crucial work especially along the Blue Line, and the challenges faced at the current time.

This was published under the 2019 to 2022 Johnson Conservative government
Ambassador Ian Collard with UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Aroldo L谩zaro

Ambassador Ian Collard with UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Aroldo L谩zaro

The British Ambassador to Lebanon, Dr. Ian Collard, and the British Embassy鈥檚 Defence Attach茅, Lt. Col Lee Saunders, visited UNIFIL鈥檚 headquarters in Naqoura, the Mission鈥檚 area of operations and the Blue Line yesterday .

Ambassador Collard was briefed on UNIFIL鈥檚 crucial work especially along the Blue Line, and the challenges faced at the current time. 聽Ambassador Collard was also briefed on how the Lebanese Armed Forces are working to maintain stability in South Lebanon.

UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Aroldo L谩zaro received Ambassador Collard in his office and discussed issues relating to UNIFIL鈥檚 operations.

After the visit, Ambassador Collard said:

I am delighted to have visited UNIFIL鈥檚 headquarters in Naqoura and to have seen the Blue Line. During my meetings I reiterated our continuing support to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), who are essential for the stability of Lebanon as the sole legitimate defender of the country. I relayed the UK鈥檚 strong commitment to a stable and secure Lebanon, respect for Security Council resolutions, including resolution 1701, and condemnation of all violations. I thanked聽UNIFIL, who are playing a critical role in maintaining the cessation of hostilities, de-escalating tension in the UNIFIL area of operations and preserving stability along the Blue Line.

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Published 1 June 2022