Local leaders join UNIFIL exhibition marking 40th anniversary

Joined by local Mayors, religious leaders, Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) personnel and dozens of school children, UNIFIL’s Sector East Headquarters organized a multimedia exhibition in Marjayoun two weeks ago to mark the 40th anniversary of UNIFIL and its work with communities to further peace in south Lebanon. UNIFIL Sector East Commander Brigadier General Francisco Javier Romero Mari opened the daylong exhibition on 27 April, which showcased images of UNIFIL’s work throughout the last four decades as well as colourful drawings by 25 school children on the theme of peace. Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Mayor of Marjayoun, Sari el-Golmia, expressed appreciation for the work of the UN peacekeepers. “We are grateful to UNIFIL for all the work they have done till now and for conducting this photo exhibition,” said the Deputy Mayor. Brigadier General Romero Mari extended special appreciation to the local population and the LAF for their efforts in maintaining peace and stability, noting that UNIFL remains “highly committed to the cause of peace.” As a tribute to the UNIFIL troops, students from various schools in the region sang the national anthems along with the Spanish song “Que Viva Espana” in honour of some of the UN peacekeepers from Spain. The official UNIFIL exhibition was organized in Tyre from 19 to 23 March, marking the 40 years since UNIFIL’s establishment in 1978.