Kathmandu: Nepal has strongly condemned recent attacks on United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers and called for the conflicting parties to ensure their safety. The condemnation was articulated in a joint declaration with 34 nations contributing to UNIFIL, released today via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official X (formerly Twitter) platform.
The statement emphasized, “These actions must cease immediately and be thoroughly investigated.” It reiterated the signatories’ unwavering support for UNIFIL’s mission to foster stabilization and lasting peace in South Lebanon and the broader Middle East, in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Countries co-signing the declaration include Armenia, Austria, Bangladesh, Fiji, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, and the United Kingdom, among others. The coalition underscored UNIFIL’s critical role amid escalating regional tensions and condemned the recent violence against peacekeepers.
The statement further urged for the protection of UN peacekeepers to enable them to fulfill their mandate of mediation and support for peace and stability in Lebanon and the region. It concluded with a strong reaffirmation of commitment to multilateral cooperation centered around the UN, calling for respect for international law, including the UN Charter and relevant Security Council resolutions.