Timor-Leste joins call for stronger protection of UN peacekeepers amid tensions in the Middle East
DILI, 10 April 2026 (TATOLI) — The Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste to the United Nations, Ambassador Dionísio Babo Soares, on Wednesday joined Indonesia and France in a media stakeout at the UN calling for stronger protection of UN peacekeepers amid escalating tensions in Lebanon.
The joint statement, delivered by Indonesia’s Permanent Representative to the UN Umar Hadi and France’s Permanent Representative Jérôme Bonnafont, expressed deep concern over rising violence in Lebanon since March 2026 and its impact on the safety of peacekeeping personnel, particularly those serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
The statement strongly condemned recent attacks that killed and injured peacekeepers from multiple countries, saying such acts were unacceptable and may constitute war crimes under international law.
The statement reaffirmed that the protection of peacekeepers is non-negotiable and call on the United Nations and Security Council to strengthen security measures.
It also stressed the importance of fully supporting UNIFIL’s mandate and urge all parties involved in the conflict to ensure the safety of peacekeeping personnel and facilities at all times.
Additionally, the statement highlighted serious humanitarian concerns, including civilian casualties, infrastructure destruction, and mass displacement.
It called for an immediate ceasefire, a return to prior agreements, and renewed negotiations, while urging accountability for attacks on peacekeepers and reaffirming commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability.
TATOLI
