Spain urges UN to ensure protection of peacekeepers in Lebanon

GENEVA

Spain's defense minister, Margarita Robles, on Monday called on the United Nations to ensure the protection of peacekeepers in Lebanon, warning that the safety of troops deployed with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) must be respected.

Speaking to reporters, Robles said Spain is closely monitoring the situation of its soldiers serving in the UN peacekeeping mission as hostilities continue in the region.

"I speak with them every day, twice a day. It is a difficult, complicated situation," she said, referring to Spanish troops deployed in Lebanon.

Robles said soldiers are spending long hours in bunkers due to security risks but continue carrying out their duties when conditions allow.

She added that she had spoken with the UN undersecretary-general for peacekeeping operations and with the UNIFIL force commander to stress that the safety of personnel must be guaranteed.

"They must demand that Israel respect and protect the lives of the people there,” Robles said, calling for an end to attacks linked to what she described as an invasion in Lebanon.

Robles said Spain strongly supports the continuation of the UNIFIL mission, describing it as carrying out "exceptional work" in maintaining peace.

"Spain is firmly committed to Lebanon," she said, adding that violations of international law cannot be accepted.