United Nations – Appointment of Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz as Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL- 10 Feb. 2022)

France would like to congratulate Major General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz of Spain on his appointment as Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). France wishes him much success and assures him of the country’s full support in the execution of his mission.

France would like to take this opportunity to commend his predecessor, Major General Stefano Del Col of Italy, on his accomplishments. France reaffirms its commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty and security and to regional stability, namely via its significant and historic contribution to the UNIFIL. France remains deeply committed to the UNIFIL’s mandate, as defined by Resolution 1701 (2006).

France is following the situation in southern Lebanon very closely. France is concerned by the recent increase in tensions in the UNIFIL’s area of operations and strongly condemns any incursion on its UN peacekeepers’ security and freedom of movement.