KATHMANDU: The Nepalese government strongly condemned recent attacks on United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers and emphasized the significance of protecting their safety and security.
In a statement published on the social media platform X, the Nepalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for an immediate halt to the attacks and a thorough investigation into the crimes.
"Nepal strongly condemns recent attacks on the UNIFIL peacekeepers & urges parties to guarantee their safety & security," the statement said. Such behavior needs to end right away and should be thoroughly examined.
The UN Security Council created UNIFIL in March 1978 with the intention of reestablishing global peace and security and supporting the Lebanese government in regaining control of the region. At the moment, the force has more than 10,000 soldiers on the ground.
In the wake of the attacks, the 34 participating countries of UNIFIL, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, France, Hungary, Italy, and Korea, issued a united statement.
Conflicting parties were urged to respect UNIFIL's presence and guarantee the safety and security of its personnel in the joint statement, which emphasized the force's vital role amid the region's rising tensions.
It continued, "We urge the parties of the conflict to respect UNIFIL's presence, which entails the obligation to guarantee the safety and security of its personnel at all times so that they can continue to implement its mandate and continue their work of mediation and support for peace and stability in Lebanon and the entire region."
The member countries reaffirmed their full support for UNIFIL's mission, which aims to bring stabilization and lasting peace to South Lebanon and the Middle East in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The states also called for respect for international law, particularly the Charter of the United Nations and pertinent Security Council resolutions.
