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UN Chief Grieves Second French Peacekeeper Death in Lebanon Attack

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep sadness over the death of a second French soldier from wounds sustained in an attack in Lebanon. The UN spokesman condemned the attack as a grave violation that may constitute war crimes, calling for a prompt investigation. The incident occurred while peacekeepers were clearing a road in southern Lebanon to access isolated UN positions. The UN initial assessment suggests the fire came from non-state armed groups, presumably Hezbollah.

Key Points: UN Mourns French Peacekeeper Killed in Lebanon Attack

  • Second French UN peacekeeper dies from Saturday's attack
  • UN condemns potential war crimes
  • Calls for investigation and prosecution
  • Urges respect for Israel-Lebanon ceasefire
2 min read

UN chief saddened by death of another peacekeeper with Lebanon mission

UN Secretary-General condemns attack on peacekeepers in Lebanon, urges ceasefire respect and investigation. A second French soldier has died from wounds.

UN chief saddened by death of another peacekeeper with Lebanon mission
"Attacks on peacekeepers must stop. They are grave violations of international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes. - Stephane Dujarric"

United Nations, April 23

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is saddened by the death of a second French soldier serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon from his wounds in Saturday's attack, said a UN spokesman.

Attacks on peacekeepers must stop. They are grave violations of international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Guterres, in a statement on Wednesday (local time).

All attacks on peacekeepers must be promptly investigated, and those responsible must be effectively prosecuted and held accountable. In this regard, the secretary-general welcomes the stated commitment of the Lebanese authorities with respect to Saturday's incident, reports Xinhua news agency, citing the statement.

Guterres urges all actors to respect the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire announced on Thursday. The United Nations is committed to supporting diplomatic efforts toward an extension of the cessation of hostilities and the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701, which is intended to resolve the 2006 Lebanon War fought between Hezbollah and Israel, said the statement.

Guterres expresses his deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the second peacekeeper who died, and to the government and people of France, it said.

Earlier Wednesday, Dujarric identified the fallen French soldier as 31-year-old Corporal Anicet Girardin, who was a specialist dog handler. Girardin succumbed to his wounds on Wednesday at a hospital in Paris.

He was seriously wounded when his explosive ordnance disposal team, operating under UNIFIL's French contingent, came under attack while clearing a road in southern Lebanon in order to re-establish access to isolated UNIFIL positions, said Dujarric.

Girardin was the second soldier who died in Saturday's incident.

Another French soldier, who was severely injured, was also repatriated to Paris on Tuesday for treatment. He remains under medical care. A fourth peacekeeper, who sustained minor injuries, has returned to his post with his unit in southern Lebanon, said Dujarric.

UN initial assessment was that the peacekeepers came under fire from non-state armed groups, presumably Hezbollah, said the spokesman.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Very sad news. It reminds us how fragile peace is in that part of the world. India also contributes significantly to UN peacekeeping. We understand the sacrifice. The Lebanese authorities must investigate thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice.
A
Aman W
While the condemnation is necessary, the UN's statement feels like a routine press release. Where is the concrete action? Non-state actors attacking UN forces with impunity shows a serious failure of the international security mechanism there. More needs to be done than just "urging".
S
Sarah B
A dog handler... he was there to clear explosives and make roads safe. What a tragic loss. This conflict has far-reaching human costs. Hope the other injured peacekeepers recover soon.
V
Vikram M
The mention of Hezbollah is concerning. If non-state armed groups are targeting UN missions, it undermines the entire peace process. The Lebanese government's commitment is welcome, but they must demonstrate control. The region cannot afford another escalation.
K
Kiran H
Om Shanti. A young life lost in service of peace. This is why we must always support diplomatic solutions over violence. My prayers for his soul and strength for his colleagues who continue their duty in such dangerous conditions.

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