UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)'s commander Maj. Gen. Alain
Pellegrini on Sunday praised Chinese peacekeeping force role in
Lebanon.
Alain Pellegrini told Chinese peacekeeping soldiers that "A
highlight of military competence, a fine working style and a spirit
of diligence is embodied in you. And I firmly believe that it will
become treasure and credit to you all."
The commander made the remarks when he addressed on a medal
presentation parade of Chinese Engineer Battalion of UNIFIL
(CHINBATT), which has been deployed in Lebanon for more than six
months since Mar. 31, 2006.
"Chinese peacekeeping force is recognized world wide for its
high standard of achievement, positive and active working attitude,
and cautious and conscientious dedication," said Pellegrini.
He added that CHINBATT's high level of specialty and spirit of
professionalism is of great importance for UNIFIL passing through
its hard time, and vital for its existence and expansion.
In the past six months, CHINBATT has disposed of 4,000 mines and
unexploded ordnance, cleared mine polluted area of some 50,000
square meters, carried out 50 km emergency road repairing.
During the latest Israel-Hezbollah conflict, CHINBATT also
carried out search and rescue mission at Qana and Tyre, provided
medical assistance and other humanitarian aid to local people in
addition to its routine engineer support for UNIFIL troops.
CHINBATT is composed of 182 officers and soldiers, most of whom
are engineers. Last month, Premier Wen Jiabao announced that China
would enlarge its peacekeeping force in Lebanon to 1,000.
Since 1990, China has participated in 15 UN operations,
involving more than 6,000 Chinese peacekeepers, and nine Chinese
peacekeepers had died in UN peacekeeping operations.
(Xinhua News Agency October 2, 2006)