Russia asserts that targeting UN peacekeeping forces is not normal

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Russia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Sergei Tolchenov, has expressed condolences for the deaths of three TNI soldiers who were part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), while stressing that targeting peacekeeping forces must not become an accepted practice.

“It should not become normal for peacekeeping forces to be targeted by any military activities,” said Ambassador Tolchenov when met in Tanjung Priok, Jakarta, on Tuesday.

The Russian diplomat stated that the deaths of the three Indonesian soldiers were a consequence of Israel’s military activities, which not only conflict with Iran but also extend to neighbouring countries such as Lebanon.

He explained that the United Nations, along with Indonesia as a member state, had sent soldiers and officers to Lebanon to carry out the mission of maintaining peace and stability in the region. However, in its developments, they became targets in those military operations.

Therefore, Ambassador Tolchenov called on the international community to take firm steps to ensure the protection and safety of the peacekeepers.

“This is truly not a good situation when they become targets of attacks or shootings. And I hope this does not continue, and steps must be taken to ensure their protection and safety, especially for Indonesians serving in the UN peacekeeping forces,” he said.

An Indonesian member of the UNIFIL peacekeeping force was killed by artillery fire near the Indonesian UNIFIL contingent’s position close to Adchit Al Qusayr in southern Lebanon on Sunday (29/3).

Praka Farizal Rhomadhon was confirmed dead in the incident, while three other personnel, namely Praka Rico Pramudia, Praka Bayu Prakoso, and Praka Arif Kurniawan, were injured.

Then on Monday (30/3), the UN reported that two other Indonesian UNIFIL peacekeepers were killed and two others injured in an attack on a UNIFIL logistics convoy near Bani Hayyan in southern Lebanon.

With the addition of two more victims in that attack, to date, three people have been recorded as killed while carrying out the peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon.