23 May 2017

News Story: Chinese peacekeeping force's authority transfer ceremony held in Lebanon

BEIRUT, May 22 (Xinhua) -- Chief of Staff of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Brig. Gen. Pierre Liot De Nortbecourt chaired on Monday the 15th CHINBATT Transfer of Authority (rotation) ceremony.

De Nortbecourt supervised the 15th Chinese Peacekeeping Operation Force Transfer of Authority to the 16th one along with the Captain of the 16th Chinese Multifunctional Engineering Contingent in the south Lebanese village of Hinnieh by the port city of Tyre.

The ceremony was attended by China's Ambassador to Lebanon Wang Kejian, Brig. Gen. Khalil Al-Gemayel representing Lebanon's Minister of Defense, the governor of Tyre and other various military and political figures.

De Nortbecourt expressed his gratitude for the work accomplished by the parting 15th Chinese contingent.

He specifically highlighted his appreciation for "the construction of a 300-meter shooting range in Naqoura which was built in a very difficult environment and which enables UNIFIL to benefit from what is an essential operational training asset."

Read the full story at Xinhua