On Thursday, April 20, the Saeima decided on the participation of Latvian National Armed Forces (NBS) soldiers in the United Nations (UN) international peacekeeping operation in Lebanon for the period specified in the UN Security Council resolution.
The mandate of the operation includes monitoring and approving the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the southern territories of Lebanon, restoring international peace and security, as well as providing support to the Lebanese government in restoring power over its territory, according to the annotation of the draft decision.
The initial NBS participation in the peacekeeping operation is planned with three staff officers. Later, it is planned to expand it with one infantry platoon consisting of about 30 soldiers, according to the annotation of the draft decision.
Currently, the operation of the peacekeeping operation is set until August 31, 2023, but when the UN Security Council decides to extend the mandate of the operation, the period of participation of the NBS in the operation will also be extended. Such a connection is intended to ensure the continuity of participation and effectively implement the implementation of the operation’s tasks, as expressed in the annotation.
Saeima decisions enter into force at the time of their acceptance.
