RI Foreign Ministry: Safety of UN Peacekeepers is Non-Negotiable

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry has affirmed that the safety and security of UN peacekeeping troops cannot be compromised.

This was stated by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Vahd Nabyl A. Mulachela in Jakarta on Tuesday (21/4), in response to an incident involving members of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

“Indonesia is committed to carrying out the UNIFIL mandate in accordance with Resolution 1701 (2006), while continuously conducting periodic assessments of the situation on the ground,” Nabyl said.

He stated that Indonesia is continuously coordinating with the UN and troop-contributing countries to strengthen personnel protection.

The Indonesian government is also monitoring the security situation in Lebanon, including its implications for Indonesia’s participation in the UNIFIL mission.

In addition, Indonesia has requested the UN to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of safety aspects for peacekeeping troops, both in UNIFIL and other UN missions.

Previously, on 8 April, the Foreign Ministry stated that any changes regarding the participation of TNI personnel in UNIFIL must be given careful consideration.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang said that Indonesia’s participation in UNIFIL is part of its international commitment to world peace.

“Various decisions related to this issue, including proposals for withdrawal, must undergo very careful consideration, both in terms of personnel safety, the relevance of the UNIFIL mandate, and Indonesia’s contribution to regional stability,” Yvonne said.

Indonesia has lost three TNI personnel and eight others have been injured in three separate attacks while carrying out duties in Lebanon.

France also lost one soldier and three others were injured in an attack on UNIFIL on 18 April.