UN Security Council voices strong concern over attacks against peace-keepers in Lebanon

The United Nations Security Council on Monday voiced strong concern as Israel has fired on and wounded UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon during its intensified fighting with Hezbollah, reiterating its firm support for the peace-keepers' role in supporting security in the region.

In a statement after the closed-door consultations, the 15 members of the Security Council urged all parties to respect the safety and security of the personnel and premises of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon ( UNIFIL). "Against the backdrop of ongoing hostilities along the Blue Line, the members of the Security Council expressed their strong concerns after several UNIFIL positions came under fire in the past days. Several peacekeepers have been wounded. They urged all parties to respect the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and UN premises. They recalled that UN peacekeepers and UN premises must never be the target of an attack," said Pascale Baeriswyl, president of the Security Council for October and permanent representative of Switzerland to the United Nations.

"They reiterated their support to UNIFIL, underscoring its role in supporting regional stability. They expressed as well their deepest concern for civilian casualties and sufferings, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, and the rising number of internally displaced people. They called on all parties to abide by international humanitarian law. They called for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, and recognized the need for further practical measures to achieve that outcome," she said.

Baeriswyl emphasized the need for diplomatic endeavors that would bring a durable end to the conflict and allow civilians on both sides of the Blue Line to return safely to their homes.

The UNIFIL, which has around 10,000 members, is deployed in southern Lebanon as a buffer with Israel.

The UNIFIL was originally created by the United Nations Security Council in March 1978 to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, restore international peace and security and assist the Lebanese government in restoring its effective authority in the area. The mandate had to be adjusted twice, due to the developments in 1982 and 2000.

Following the July/August 2006 crisis, the Security Council enhanced the UNIFIL and decided that in addition to the original mandate, it would, among other things, monitor the cessation of hostilities, accompany and support the Lebanese armed forces as they deploy throughout the south of Lebanon, and extend its assistance to help ensure humanitarian access to civilian populations and the voluntary and safe return of displaced persons.

The Blue Line, stretching for 120km along Lebanon's southern frontier, is set by the United Nations in 2000, which separates the Lebanese and Israeli armed forces.

UN Security Council voices strong concern over attacks against peace-keepers in Lebanon

UN Security Council voices strong concern over attacks against peace-keepers in Lebanon

UN Security Council voices strong concern over attacks against peace-keepers in Lebanon

Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.

Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.

More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.

Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.

"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.

During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.

"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.

In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.

With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.

"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.

Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition