Indonesia urges UN Security Council meeting after three peacekeepers die in Lebanon, condemning attacks and demanding safety for personnel.
JAKARTA: Indonesia has called for an urgent United Nations Security Council meeting following the deaths of three of its peacekeepers in Lebanon.
Defence ministry spokesman Rico Ricardo Sirait urged all warring parties to respect international humanitarian law. “The safety of peacekeeping troops must be the top priority,” he said in a statement.
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon confirmed two personnel were killed in an explosion on Monday. Another peacekeeper died late Sunday when a projectile struck their position.
UNIFIL stated it has launched an investigation into the separate incidents.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono condemned what he called “heinous” attacks. He said he discussed the deaths with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Sugiono demanded a swift, thorough and transparent investigation into the killings. “The safety and security of UN peacekeepers is non-negotiable and must be upheld at all times,” he said.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN under-secretary-general for peace operations, also condemned the incidents. He stated that “all acts that endanger the peacekeepers must stop”.
Permanent Security Council member France has said it supports seeking a meeting over the matter.
