Indonesia Gets Initial Findings On Attacks On UNIFIL Peacekeepers

JAKARTA, April 8 (Bernama) -- Indonesia has received preliminary findings from an investigation into a series of attacks that killed three of its peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and has urged the United Nations (UN) to expedite a full investigation.

According to ANTARA News Agency, Veronica Rompis, Acting Director for International Peace and Security at Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry, said Jakarta has taken note of the findings and is closely monitoring developments.

“The Indonesian government has noted the results of the investigation and requests that the UN complete a comprehensive investigation,” she said.

She added that Indonesia has also called on all parties to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure accountability for the attacks on peacekeeping personnel.

During the March 29 incident, one Indonesian peacekeeper was killed, while two others were killed a day later. Five other personnel were injured, most sustaining minor injuries.

On April 3, three more Indonesian peacekeepers were injured in an explosion in El Addaiseh, southern Lebanon.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the Indonesian peacekeeper killed on March 29 died after being struck by a projectile fired from an Israeli Merkava tank, while two others were killed on March 30 in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast.

He added that examinations at the scene indicated the device was likely planted by Hezbollah, according to media reports.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang said Indonesia has so far received reports on only the first two incidents.

She added that investigations into the April 3 incident are ongoing, urging that the probe be pursued further.

-- BERNAMA