UN Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix expressed his gratitude for strong support for Greece in United Nations peacekeeping operations, and for the services and sacrifices of its military personnel deployed around the world under the UN flag.

Of the 193 UN member states, Greece today 61st country to contribute military personnel to UN peacekeeping operations., the UN said. It is also noted that Greece provides 108 peacekeepers, including 20 women, to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Its personnel serve on the frigate ADRIAS as part of the UNIFIL Maritime Strike Group (MTF).

In addition, it is noted that Greece is one of 15 countries that have contributed to the Naval Strike Group since its establishment in October 2006 at the request of the Lebanese government. It is the first maritime strike group to participate in a United Nations peacekeeping mission, supporting the navy in controlling Lebanese territorial waters, securing the coastline and preventing unauthorized entry of weapons into Lebanon from the sea.

“The United Nations particularly thanks Greece for its continued support for the UNIFIL Naval Task Force, which is invaluable to stability in the Middle East,” said Assistant Secretary General Jean-Pierre Lacroix.

In addition, the UN appreciates the merits and sacrifices of the Greeks who served in dangerous and difficult conditions and demonstrated a high level of professionalism and dedication wherever they served. “We are deeply grateful for their contributions and we will never forget the sacrifice of the Greek workers who gave their lives serving the cause of peace under the flag of the UN,” added Mr. Lacroix.

Finally, it should be noted that Greece also supports the UN Secretary-General’s Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) initiative, which aims to strengthen peacekeeping operations through more focused command, stronger and safer operations, better equipped and trained forces. and mobilize support for political solutions.

At the same time, it is reported that the UN Department of Global Communications, in cooperation with the Department of Peace Operations, is implementing an international multi-year communication campaign called “UN Peacekeeping – Services and Victims”. The campaign expresses gratitude to the United Nations for countries that provide men and women in uniform to participate in peacekeeping missions.

Since 1948, more than 1 million women and men have served as UN peacekeepers. Every day they change the lives of millions of the world’s most vulnerable people, it is noted and emphasized that peacekeeping operations are a unique force in which the military and police from more than 120 countries serve alongside their civilian personnel. UN peacekeepers come from different cultures and speak different languages, but they share a common goal: to protect vulnerable communities and support countries trying to move from conflict to peace. As noted, more than 3,500 peace workers tragically lost their lives.

Source: RES-IPE