The Diplomat
The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, yesterday visited the Spanish contingent in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) at the Miguel de Cervantes Base in Marjayoun, where he personally thanked the Spanish troops for their efforts “in favor of peace and international stability” and defended the need to increase Defense spending to reach 2% of the Gross Domestic Product.
“In 2006, Spain began the deployment of this mission in Lebanon,” recalled Sánchez during the event, in which he was accompanied by the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles. “Sixteen years later, your work continues to be essential for the security of the Lebanese people” and, therefore, “I want to thank you personally for your work and your efforts in favor of peace and international stability,” he continued.
“Your participation in this United Nations mission in Lebanon is a tangible expression of our country’s contribution to world peace,” said Sánchez, who also conveyed “the pride of all of Spain for the professionalism and generosity” of the Spanish contingent. He also recalled the 16 Spanish military personnel who lost their lives as part of the mission. “We will always have you in our memory because you are all an indelible example of courage, dedication and sacrifice for Spain and for peace in the world,” he said.
Upon his arrival at the Miguel de Cervantes Base, the President of the Government greeted the Head of Mission and UNIFIL Force Commander, Spanish Major General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz, whose appointment last February, he said, is “a clear recognition of the good work and excellence of successive Spanish contingents”. He also greeted the commanding general of the Eastern Sector Brigade, Brigadier General Melchor Jesús Marín Elvira, and other officers and non-commissioned officers. Spain has 646 troops in Lebanon, the largest deployment of our country in a UN mission.
During his speech, the President of the Government recalled the “brutal, illegal and unjustified war of aggression of Russia against Ukraine”, which “has highlighted, in the face of our public opinions, our societies, the importance and fragility of our security”. “We have become aware, even more real if possible, of the extent to which our Armed Forces help to guarantee the security of Spain and make possible the prosperity of our compatriots as a result,” he assured.
“And that is why, last June, in the context of the NATO Summit, I announced Spain’s commitment to increase Defense spending to 2% of our Gross Domestic Product,” Pedro Sánchez recalled. “This effort, which is a notable effort in the increase of the budget, will contribute to modernize and improve the capabilities of our Armed Forces, and also to continue making them a reference at European and world level”, he added.
The Government’s decision to increase Defense spending by 2%, in line with what was decided during the NATO Summit in Madrid and by the leaders of the European Union after the invasion of Ukraine, has been widely rejected by the Government’s minority partner, Unidas Podemos.
Meeting with the Prime Minister
UNIFIL is the United Nations instrument for ensuring peace in southern Lebanon, facilitating humanitarian access to the civilian population and contributing to the voluntary and safe return of all displaced persons. The mission currently has a contingent of nearly 10,000 blue helmets and 800 civilians from 48 countries, all under the command of General Lázaro. “It is an honor for Spain to share such an important mission with friendly countries and under the common flag of the United Nations”, declared Pedro Sánchez, who, at the end of the meeting, held an informal meeting with 120 people representing all the units of the base.
On December 20, the Council of Ministers extended until December 31, 2023 the participation of Spanish military units and observers in peace operations abroad. Spain currently has more than 3,000 military personnel deployed in missions abroad, a third of them in NATO operations on the border with Russia. The rest operate under the EU or UN flag. The largest mission remains the UN mission in Lebanon.
After his meeting with the Spanish contingent, Pedro Sánchez was received in Beirut by the acting Prime Minister of Lebanon, Najib Mikati, to whom he conveyed Spain’s support for the stability of his country and assured that the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which will take place in the second half of 2023, will make it possible to improve cooperation between the 27 and the countries of the southern Mediterranean. He then held a meeting with the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, Nabih Berri, to whom he reiterated Spain’s support for institutional stability. “Both the Prime Minister of Lebanon and the President of the Parliament thanked the President of the Government for Spain’s commitment to Lebanon in various areas,” according to Moncloa.
