Death of blue helmets in Lebanon, the analysis of Unifil commander Abagnara: the interview

Unifil is experiencing one of the most difficult moments in its history. In this war scenario, is it still possible to ensure the interposition and peacekeeping functions at the origin of the mission?

“The situation has seen a sudden escalation since March 2. This is not a conflict between two states, it is a conflict between the State of Israel and the Hezbollah militias, which want to maintain control of the South and which the Lebanese government has also banned as irregular militias. We are in the middle, guaranteeing the protection of our troops, support for the civilian population, free access to humanitarian agencies, a form of contact between the parties, the Israeli armed forces and the Lebanese armed forces, so that a cessation of hostilities is achieved. The military side carries out a task on the ground, but it is equally important that there is a political solution. The attack on a convoy, but also on a Unifil base, represents a violation of international law, given that the peacekeepers serve for peace and stability. This does not mean that our task remains the same considerations that may exist at a political or military level, we are today the only entity present in the South, because the Lebanese armed forces have, in accordance with government provisions, retreated from their positions to avoid a direct confrontation with the Israeli armed forces”.

What can be said about the deaths of the three Indonesian peacekeepers?

“We are carrying out all the investigations, as required by the United Nations guidelines, but naturally every type of ‘investigation’ requires a process which is of a technical nature and which allows us to have a clear vision of who hit, what ammunition was used, in order to arrive at a response. Naturally under the continuous bombings this is more difficult. However, we hope to have a possible final analysis within this week to report to the United Nations Security Council”.

In light of all this, is a renewal of the mission conceivable or are we heading towards a withdrawal?

“This is a first opportunity to thank the government, the Minister of Defense, the Chief of Defense Staff and the Joint Forces Summit Command for their support in this mission which sees the Italians as the first international contingent. I would add one fundamental thing: we have a mandate to carry out this activity until the end of the year. In the resolution approved last year it is clearly written that the general secretary at the beginning of June, precisely on June 1st, will bring to the attention of the Security Council any solutions for a post-Unifil and possible options to be able to continue the implementation of 1701, the most important framework on which a possible solution to the conflict is based today. The important thing, at least from my point of view, is to continue to guarantee a constant presence on the ground, to increase the security regulations for our protection and to support the population, which loves Unifil and above all the Italians, because the mission has always been a condition of stability over time people, for years now, have been accustomed to seeing Unifil troops on the ground. We are not a humanitarian mission, however the projects to support the population, the effort of the various contingents, and I like to say it, first of all the Italian one, have led to mutual trust such that we can be seen as an element of stability and security, of absolute certainty that peace and stability depend not exclusively, but certainly very much on the support of the Unifil troops”.

In your opinion, what scenario should we expect? What’s on the horizon?

“Certainly the starting point that caused this conflict is linked to the attack on March 2, when some missiles were launched against the State of Israel. The escalation began from there. I expect that this situation can find a solution at a political level in order to be able to implement on the ground a possibility, first of all of cessation of hostility, secondly, of the return of all the refugees who have now left most of the south to head north. The attack on a Unifil base is certainly an attack on the international community because Unifil is the expression of 48 countries, not only of individual states. I count on a force of around 8 thousand men, but I also count on the contribution of 48 countries, European and non-European, which guarantee their presence in support of the resolution and which allow us to have that presence on the ground which today is the only one visible in the south. I expect that technically there can be a de-escalation, I am in contact with the parties, the Lebanese armed forces, the Lebanese government, the forces Israeli armies, even Israeli political authorities, because stability certainly does not come through weapons but through dialogue.”

In recent weeks the peacekeepers are spending more and more hours in the bunkers. How did our military react to this increasingly precarious situation? Does what is happening affect the mission objectives?

“For me, and I say this honestly, my men and women are like a family. I see them on the ground and I am filled with pride. We here represent the hope of peace. I myself, when I see the flag of the United Nations waving, I see a lighthouse. Because that blue flag signals peace. It is not a simple banner and seeing it high in the sky gives great satisfaction. When I look into the eyes of the Italians, now the Sassari Brigade and before the Taurinense Brigade, I can see that sense of humanity that distinguishes our strength. If we perceive that being in the bunkers, when there is imminent danger, is synonymous with safety, we have the necessary push to be able to operate outside. Because the military believes that peace is possible and our Italians believe that stability and peace come through their work. Even in their worries, their children are waiting for them. Each of us tries to make our own contribution to the great cause that is peace but it is something that is built on the ground, day after day. And our soldiers have an immense heart in this. Then, of course, the moment happens a little like this, because fear is the other side of courage. However, if you manage to harmonize the ability to do things well, with maximum ability, maximum protection, with the foresight to see where there may be some danger, then everything comes out in the best way Chivalry, our soldiers always throw their hearts over the obstacle. And this makes me proud, because I am a Unifil commander, but I am an Italian commander. This makes me proud and makes me happy. This does not mean that the people or the soldiers are not worried. There is no need for words between a commander and his men.”

Are you worried?

“The right thing. But with the clarity of being able to do everything needed to guarantee protection and support. People look at us with admiration on the ground. And it is a warning to everyone else to believe that peace is possible. I want to say that we will keep the flag flying high because this is our job, because we truly believe in it, because that blue flag signals peace.” (by Silvia Mancinelli)