The Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Maj Gen Alberto Asarta Cuevas has stated that the Mission’s history owes a lot to Ghana’s commitment and therefore has full confidence in the Contingent in UNIFIL.

He described Ghana’s pioneering role since 1978 as remarkable, adding that; “over the years, the Ghanaian Contingent has been involved in a number of activities in support of the Mission’s mandate through a long tradition of professionalism and dedication to duty”.

Maj Gen Asarta Cuevas made these remarks at the Ghanbatt 71 Medals Presentation Parade held at AL-QAWZAH, South Lebanon on Thursday 18 February 2010.

The Force Commander commended the Ghanbatt for excelling in its duties and responsibilities, especially the manning of static and observation posts in sensitive areas in UNIFIL, which includes a large section of the ‘BLUE LINE’ (Line of separation between Lebanon and Israel).

He also mentioned the immense role of Ghanbatt towards achieving peace and security in Southern Lebanon through the conduct of random check points, day and night patrols and coordinated activities with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), among others.

Maj Gen Asarta Cuevas also acknowledged the CIMIC and humanitarian activities that Ghanbatt 71 had been conducting in support of the local population. “In this context, the medical and dental outreach programmes, handling of emergencies and other medical cases at the Ghanbatt Level I Hospital, assisting the elderly and children with special needs, computer and English lessons for LAF and school children deserve special mention”, he said.

The Force Commander in recognition of these achievements, entreated personnel of Ghanbatt 71 to wear the Peace Medals, which he had awarded them with pride because they had worked hard and deserved it.

In summation, Maj Gen Asarta Cuevas expressed full confidence in Ghana’s continuous commitment to UNIFIL in view of the Contingent’s proven professionalism and dedication to service.

Present at the impressive parade were a delegation from Ghana Led by Air Vice Marshall Christian Dovlo, the Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, His Excellency Michel Haddad, Ghana’s Honorary Consul in Lebanon and the Deputy Force Commander, Brig Gen Apurba Kumar Bardalai.

The others were: the UNIFIL Director of Mission Support, Mr Girish Sinha, the UNIFIL Sector West Commander, Brig Gen Luigi Francavilla and the LAF South Litani Commander, Brig Gen Msan.

Also present were: Religious Leaders, Mayors, Moukhtars and a host of invited guests from UNIFL, other Contingents and friends of the Ghanbatt.