Salam from the south:
Every two weeks a new 10-minute radio episode is aired in Arabic on: Al-Risala, Sawt El-Mada, Voice of Lebanon, Voice of People and Radio Delta.

Salam from the south (English)

Amid the ongoing exchanges of fire across the Blue Line, cooperation and coordination between UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces deployed in south Lebanon are more critical than ever for the effective implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The events following October 8th, 2023, motivated greater cooperation on Civil Military Coordination or “CIMIC” activities between the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL. LAF and UNIFIL decided to work together on certain projects that would support and benefit the people of the south, especially those who remained in their villages close to the Blue Line.

Lebanese Army and UNIFIL Team Up to Support People of the South

From the beginning of the current crisis UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Stefano Del Col instructed to divert the use of funds from some projects to provide support to the local communities in the common fight against COVID-19 corona virus. Recently such help, comprising masks, gloves, hand sanitizers, other personal protective equipment, and chlorine solution, was given to Marjayoun Caza municipality and Lebanese state institutions operating in the area. Similar donations have been presented to other communities in the South as part of UNIFIL’s broader efforts to assist the local population.

United against the virus

Soon after the outbreak of Corona virus infection, UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Stefano Del Col said that “business-as-usual cannot be the norm of the day.” What kind of new normality is being born these days? How the unprecedented situation caused by COVID-19 has affected UNIFIL’s daily life and operational activities? UNIFIL Radio will be talking about it with Craig Goodwin, the head of the UNIFIL Crisis Working Group formed to contain and fight the spread of Corona virus infection.

Protecting from COVID- 19 scourge

Maintaining calm and stability in the UNIFIL area of operations in south Lebanon has always been of paramount importance for the Mission as a whole and for each of the Mission’s 45 contingents. The Spanish battalion is no exception. Even in the current challenging times caused by COVID-19 corona virus pandemic, they are putting a lot of efforts towards this end retaining their operational activities at the same level as before. However, the way they conduct these activities is sometimes different. More about peacekeeping in the times of crisis, UNIFIL Radio has talked to Lieutenant-Colonel Juan Alberto Rios, the Spanish Battalion Commander.

Peacekeeping in the time of crisis

The International Day of UN Peacekeepers, observed globally on 29 May , offers a chance to pay tribute to the uniformed and civilian personnel’s invaluable contribution to the work of the Organization and to honour more than 3,900 peacekeepers who have lost their lives serving under the UN flag since 1948. Recently, Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab visited UNIFIL Headquarters and applauded UNIFIL peacekeepers for the crucial work they have done since 1978.

UNIFIL peacekeepers’ role applauded

All along the Blue Line, almost daily, various activities take place – some of which can be misinterpreted by one or another party… The primary task of Liaison mechanism, established under the aegis of UNIFIL in December 2006, is to prevent and address any misunderstanding or a problem from escalating into a conflict between Lebanon and Israel. Liaison mechanism is not apparently visible but has proven to be extremely important for maintaining calm and stability along the Blue Line. This UNIFIL branch is also the only such entity of the Mission having permanent physical presence on both sides of the Blue Line. UNIFIL Radio has taken a closer look at how the Liaison mechanism works.

Masters of persuasion

The official Soundcloud page of UNIFIL - The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL's Official Website: http://unifil.unmissions.org)

This page contains productions from UNIFIL Radio.