On July 7, 2022, led by the head of the European Union Delegation (EUDEL) in Lebanon, Ambassador Ralph Tarraf, a group of ambassadors and diplomatic officials from 14 EU member states visited the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in Nakura. The Bulgarian embassy was represented by Ivaylo Hristov – counsellor, head of the Political office. A short briefing was held at the International Mission’s HQ, followed by a site visit near the Blue Line and next one to a completed CIMIC project (water pumping station) done by UNIFIL staff in favour of local citizens in the area of operations. UNIFIL Force Commander Major General Aroldo Lazaro thanked the EU for the substantial support provided so far. He emphasized the importance of UNIFIL, the need to preserve their mandate in accordance with UNSC Resolution 1701 and linked the success of the activity to the joint work with the Lebanese Armed Forces, including by carrying out general patrol activity. For its part, the EUDEL noted the key role of the mission in reducing tensions between Lebanon and Israel, for the absence of military actions in the area and the implementation of liaison and coordination mechanisms to continue indirect negotiations between the two neighbouring countries in the interest of de-escalating tensions, management of conflicts and building trust. EU representatives reaffirmed their commitment to Lebanon’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and stressed the importance of the country making progress in implementing UNSCR 1701 with the support of UNIFIL.
