2nd National Army Contingent Deployment United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon

I am honoured to be invited here today to mark the deployment of the 2nd National Army Contingent to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon – UNIFIL; exactly one year since we marked the first deployment of a Moldovan Contingent to the same peace operation.

One year feels like a short time, but in this period dramatic changes have taken place in the region that you are deploying to. The violent conflict unleashed in Gaza after the horrific attack by Hamas on Israeli citizens is having a devastating impact on the civilian population and threatens to undermine regional stability, with daily exchanges of fire also taking place across the Blue Line between Lebanon and Israel. The UN continues to call for the full implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1701 (2006), urging de-escalation and a return to the cessation of hostilities.

In these challenging times, your contribution to this effort is more crucial than ever. Moldova’s readiness and support to Peacekeeping operations represents multilateralism in action and contributing to our collective security.

I wish to thank the Ministry of Defense and the Government of Moldova for the commitment to promoting peace and security and protecting human lives, and in this process defending international law, which today is also under attack.

I would also like to thank you individually, and on behalf of the United Nations, for your service.