The Turkish Armed Forces' mission in Lebanon has been extended for another year.

The Presidential decree regarding the extension of the Turkish soldier's mission in Lebanon under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for another year has been approved by the General Assembly of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM).

LEBANON DECREE APPROVED

The decree signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reminds that, within the framework of the resolution No. 1701 adopted by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on August 11, 2006, and the decision of the TBMM dated September 5, 2006, Turkey has contributed to UNIFIL with elements of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), and the duration of this permission has been extended for another year starting from October 31, 2023.

TURKISH SOLDIERS IN LEBANON FOR ANOTHER YEAR

The decree states that Turkey has played an important role in the effective conduct of peacekeeping operations through its contributions to UNIFIL, stating, "In this context, Turkey's contribution has served to increase visibility among all segments of Lebanese society, both within the UN system and on regional and global scales, as well as to maintain its policy aimed at preserving peace and stability. Therefore, it is assessed that the continuation of our contribution to UNIFIL is of great importance."

The decree also reminds that the UNSC has extended UNIFIL's mandate until August 31, 2025, and in this context, considering the bilateral relations with Lebanon and the current security conditions arising from the regional conflict environment, it requests that the TSK elements, whose scope, extent, and quantity will be determined by the President, participate in UNIFIL for another year starting from October 31, 2024, in accordance with the principles determined by the UNSC and TBMM, and that necessary arrangements be made by the President regarding this matter.