UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti pointed out that the peacekeeping force in Lebanon has been informed on August 6 by the UNHQ Department of Peacekeeping Operations that the Turkish Government has decided to withdraw the Turkish Engineering Construction Company, consisting of 280 peacekeepers, of UNIFIL by the first week of September 2013.

Tenenti noted that Turkey will maintain its presence in UNIFIL Maritime Task Force where it currently contributes one fast patrol boat and 58 peacekeepers.

Within the overall strength of UNIFIL, there are routine changes in the composition of troops from different contributing countries. This configuration is worked out by the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations in consultation with the troop contributing countries.

This is a constant process in all UN peacekeeping missions whereby troops from certain countries are reduced and other countries increase their participation or new troop contributing countries join. What is important is that in this process the operational capability of UNIFIL is maintained on the ground in order to effectively perform our mandated tasks.

In light of this decision UNIFIL has made adequate preparations to ensure continuity of operations without any interruption.