Attacks against the United Nations peace-keepers in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, may constitute a war crime, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, on Monday at the daily press briefing.
Over the past few days, UN peacekeepers in Lebanon were repeatedly attacked in the conflict between Israeli and Hezbollah forces, causing several injuries and leading to condemnations from the international community.
"Attacks against peace-keepers are in breach of international law, including international humanitarian law. They may constitute a war crime. He called on all parties, including the IDF( the Israeli Defense Forces), to refrain from any and all actions that put our peacekeepers at risk," said Dujarric.
Dujarric said the UNIFIL is taking all possible measures to protect its peace-keepers.
"The mission is taking all possible measures to ensure the protection of its peacekeepers. UNIFIL's role and its presence in southern Lebanon, as you know very well, is mandated by the UN Security Council. In this context, UNIFIL is committed to preserving its capacity to support a diplomatic solution based on Security Council resolution 1701, which, as far as we are concerned, is the only way forward," said Dujarric.
EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Monday said all 27 EU members had "agreed on asking Israel to stop attacking UNIFIL."
"Such attacks against UN peace-keepers are totally unacceptable," Borrell said in a statement on behalf of the EU issued on Sunday night.
In addition, foreign ministers of Austria, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Ireland have all condemned the Israeli attacks and urged an immediate end to the attacks.
Attacks against peace-keepers constitute war crime: UN spokesman
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
