Yerevan /Mediamax/. The first contingent of Armenian peacekeepers will leave for Lebanon tonight to engage in UNIFIL operation.

UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) was established in 1978 and since then its mandate has been updated twice - in 1982 and 2000.

Armenian peacekeepers will be deployed under the command of the Italian party.

In an interview this February, First Deputy Defense Minister of Armenia Davit Tonoyan told Mediamax :

“The Italian party suggested Armenian peacekeepers that it assumes the responsibility of ensuring the security of the military headquarters. As the time passes, countries with small military contingents but with active involvement in international operations become more tempered and specialized in various fields. Usually the headquarters prefer to utilize such national niche capabilities to fulfill relevant tasks. In this respect, we can claim that Armenian peacekeepers have been “specialized” in tasks related to force protection and security”.

Answering the question whether sending Armenian peacekeepers to Lebanon may pose additional threat to the local Armenian communities or not, Davit Tonoyan said:

“The issue has been discussed from all possible angles before the launch of negotiations with the UN and the Italian party, and we have come to the conclusion that Armenian peacekeepers serving to the peace in unbiased and professional manner will only create a positive environment”.