UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)'s commander Maj. Gen. Alain Pellegrini on Sunday praised Chinese peacekeeping force role in Lebanon.

 

Alain Pellegrini told Chinese peacekeeping soldiers that "A highlight of military competence, a fine working style and a spirit of diligence is embodied in you. And I firmly believe that it will become treasure and credit to you all."

 

The commander made the remarks when he addressed on a medal presentation parade of Chinese Engineer Battalion of UNIFIL (CHINBATT), which has been deployed in Lebanon for more than six months since Mar. 31, 2006.

 

"Chinese peacekeeping force is recognized world wide for its high standard of achievement, positive and active working attitude, and cautious and conscientious dedication," said Pellegrini.

 

He added that CHINBATT's high level of specialty and spirit of professionalism is of great importance for UNIFIL passing through its hard time, and vital for its existence and expansion.

 

In the past six months, CHINBATT has disposed of 4,000 mines and unexploded ordnance, cleared mine polluted area of some 50,000 square meters, carried out 50 km emergency road repairing.

 

During the latest Israel-Hezbollah conflict, CHINBATT also carried out search and rescue mission at Qana and Tyre, provided medical assistance and other humanitarian aid to local people in addition to its routine engineer support for UNIFIL troops.

 

CHINBATT is composed of 182 officers and soldiers, most of whom are engineers. Last month, Premier Wen Jiabao announced that China would enlarge its peacekeeping force in Lebanon to 1,000.

 

Since 1990, China has participated in 15 UN operations, involving more than 6,000 Chinese peacekeepers, and nine Chinese peacekeepers had died in UN peacekeeping operations.

 

(Xinhua News Agency October 2, 2006)