The term of service of Turkish military personnel within the framework of the United Nations Interim Task Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been extended for another 2 years.
This is stated in the Presidential Decree submitted to the Chairman of the TNTC for consideration.
The decree signed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan notes that in accordance with Resolution No. 1701, adopted by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on August 11, 2006, and the TGNA decision of September 5, 2006, authorizing Turkey’s participation in the UNIFIL operation with elements of the Turkish Armed Forces for one year, the authorization period was last extended by 1 year from October 31, 2024.
The document notes that Turkey, thanks to its contribution to UNIFIL plays an important role in the effective implementation of peacekeeping operations. “In this context, Turkey’s contribution both within the United Nations system and at the regional and global levels, as well as through comprehensive civil-military cooperation activities, has contributed to increasing its visibility among all sectors of Lebanese society, as well as the continuation of its policies to maintain peace and stability. In this regard, it is considered important to continue our contribution to the activities UNIFIL.”
The document notes that the term of office of UNIFIL was last extended by a decision of the UN Security Council until December 31, 2026, and it is reported that the gradual liquidation of UNIFIL will begin until 2027.
The document notes the following:
“Taking into account our bilateral relations with Lebanon and security conditions in the region, in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 2790 on the extension of the term of office of UNIFIL and its gradual dissolution, the boundaries, scope and number of which will be determined by the President, will participate in UNIFIL for a further 2 years from October 31, 2025, in accordance with the principles established in United Nations Security Council Decision No. 1701 and Decision No. 880 of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, as well as taking the necessary measures in accordance with Article 92 of the Constitution.