BEIRUT, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Pierre Liot de Nortbecourt, the chief staff of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), hailed the Chinese peacekeepers on Wednesday for their long-standing commitment, dedication, professionalism and sacrifice for the peace quest in southern Lebanon.
His remarks came at a medal parade ceremony in honor of the Chinese contingent at the Chinese troops' camp in Hinniyah village in southern Lebanon, attended by Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon Wang Kejian, Lebanese Army Commander Jean Kahwaji and a number of Lebanese and UNIFIL officials.
"The Chinese contingent comprises a total of 418 personnel, of which 380 constitute CHINBATT, 30 are working in the CHINESE LEVEL 1+ Hospital and the other eight are staff officers working in UNIFIL headquarters," he said.
"Since deployed in May 2016, the operational duties that CHINBATT is performing are vast and important, including support to the mobility and freedom of movement of the Force, contribution to the Blue Line marking process, mine clearing operations, provision of Explosive Ordnance Disposal, construction of Force Protection Installations and medical assistance," Nortbecourt added.
