UNIFIL’s Sector East gets new commander

Spanish Brigade “Galicia VII,” traditionally known as BRILAT, took over the command of UNIFIL’s Sector East operations from its predecessor, Brigade “Aragón I,” at a handover ceremony in the Sector Headquarters near Marjayoun, south-eastern Lebanon, on Wednesday. At the ceremony chaired by the UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander, Major General Stefano Del Col, the outgoing commander Brigadier General Sánchez Martínez-Falero handed over the responsibility of Sector East to Brigadier General Antonio Romero. Spain’s Ambassador in Lebanon José María Ferré de la Peña also attended the ceremony, held at the Miguel de Cervantes base. In his remarks, Brig. Gen. Martínez-Falero expressed satisfaction that, during the six months of his command, UNIFIL troops deployed in Sector East strongly contributed to the stability of the area. He added that the peacekeepers also helped improve services for the host communities, including in the fields of education and environmental protection. “We can be all proud of the work carried out; but our work would have been impossible without the hospitality and affection of our Lebanese friends,” he said. The new commander, Brig. Gen. Romero, vowed to continue to promote stability in the area. “With impartiality, determination, proactivity and above all with an absolute collaboration with the Lebanese Army, local authorities and civilian population, we hope to contribute effectively to achieve the long-awaited peace,” he said.