UNIFIL Completes Investigation in Adeisseh Clash, Asarta Stresses Force Keen on Maintaining Cooperation with Army

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon announced Wednesday that it completed the investigation in the Adeisseh clash between the Lebanese and Israeli armies that took place on August 3.
It said that both sides concerned cooperated fully with the UNIFIL team during the investigation.

The report confirms the preliminary conclusions of UNIFIL.

UNIFIL Commander Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas said: "UNIFIL's investigation report is a result of a professional and impartial work."

"It is based on the facts and all the evidence available to UNIFIL at this stage. We hope this report will assist the parties to prevent the reoccurrence of such a serious and tragic incident," he added.

"I emphasized to both sides that the incident must remain an isolated event," he stated.

Meanwhile, the international force delivered 39 vehicles to the Lebanese army at a ceremony at UNIFIL's Headquarters in Naqoura on Wednesday.

Asarta highlighted that the conditions on the ground have significantly improved and the cooperation between UNIFIL and the army has become a "central cornerstone in the implementation of our mandated tasks".

"Our activities could not be implemented without the cooperation of the Lebanese army, which has demonstrated – time and again – its professionalism and commitment to U.N. Security Council resolution 1701 working in close partnership with UNIFIL troops," he said at the ceremony that was attended by Brigadier-General Louis Hanna and Brigadier-General Khalil Msan, Lebanese army commander in the area south of the Litani.

The UNIFIL Commander added: "Ultimately, UNIFIL's exit strategy is linked to the ability of the Lebanese army to sustainably ensure stability in southern Lebanon".

Brigadier-General Hanna relayed army Commander General Jean Kahwaji's "deepest feelings of gratitude and appreciation" to UNIFIL Command for the initiative, which he said is "a clear expression of the ties of cooperation and coordination" existing between UNIFIL and the Lebanese army. 
 

nahar