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15 DECEMBER 2009
| SPANISH GENERAL FOR UNIFIL
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We learned that a decision has been taken to appoint General Alberto Asarta Cuevas of Spain as the new Force Commander for UNIFIL
in Lebanon. He is scheduled to take over from Italian General Graziano in a ceremony at the Force's Naqoura headquarters on 20 January 2010.
This is a welcome decision, not only by the Lebanese government, but by the population of Southern Lebanon, who are familiar with the outstanding
officer when he served during the years 2008 and 2009 as Commander of the Eastern Zone of UNIFIL's area of operations, based in the town of
Marjeoun. He maintains excellent relations with the Lebanese army and with the local population.
This is an excellent decision by the Secretary General. It clears the confusion, sends a signal of positive determination, and places a leader
with proven experience and warm links with the host population -- an indispensable requirement for accomplishing a peacekeeping mission.
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