Robles assures her Lebanese counterpart that Spain remains "firmly committed" to the UN and the Lebanese Armed Forces

On the second day of her trip to Lebanon, the Minister for Defence, Margarita Robles, met in Beirut with her counterpart Michel Menassah, to whom she conveyed Spain's firm will to remain linked to the country, its Armed Forces and the peacekeeping mission, in the event of an eventual withdrawal of the UNIFIL mission, which the UN has set for the end of 2026.

During the meeting, the Lebanese defence minister expressed his concern for the future of the mission to the Minister, and thanked her for the presence and work of the almost 700 Spanish soldiers who make up the Multinational Brigade East, made up of some 3,500 troops of seven different nationalities (India, Nepal, Indonesia, Serbia, El Salvador, Brazil and Spain).

"It is a difficult time, which is why we have to remain firmly committed to peace, supporting the UN and Lebanon. Formally there is a situation of peace, but every day there are still deaths," said Robles, referring to the cessation of hostilities agreement reached just over a year ago between Lebanon and Israel, which is frequently violated.

In this regard, the minister explained that the main concern is that the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have adequate training and education, and assured that "Spain, within its possibilities and as we always do in peace missions, will be helping and supporting them".

Robles visited one of the positions from which the so-called 'Blue Line', which separates Lebanon and Israel, is guarded, and once again thanked the soldiers of the BRILIB XLIV, commanded by Brigadier General Antonio Bernal, for their dedication and commitment at a difficult time for the region. For his part, the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral General Teodoro López Calderón, has asked the military "not to lower their guard".

Cooperation beyond the military

Within the framework of the civil-military cooperation projects that are carried out on a regular basis, the defence minister also presided today over a delivery of health material destined for the civilian population, a further demonstration of Spain's solidarity and commitment.

Spain has been participating in the UNIFIL mission since 2006, with the aim of contributing to the implementation of UN Resolution 1701 to maintain international peace and security and to help the Lebanese government re-establish its authority in the area.

The bulk of the contingent in operation 'Libre Hidalgo' is at the 'Miguel de Cervantes' base, and there are also Spanish personnel at the mission's headquarters in Naqoura.

Non official translation